Olympic gymnast Simone Biles took a swipe at former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) swimmer and host of OutKick’s “Gaines for Girls” Riley Gaines on Sunday for her advocacy in defense of women’s sports — but an old tweet shows that Biles seemingly made the exact same argument Gaines has been making for years.
Back in 2017, Biles tweeted: “ahhhh good thing guys don’t compete against girls or he’d take all the gold medals!!” The remark came after the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Canada, where male gymnast Xiao Ruoteng won the men’s all-around. American female athletes like Morgan Hurd and Jade Carey took home medals in the women’s category. Fast forward to 2025, and Biles has now branded Gaines — a former NCAA swimmer who’s been outspoken about male athletes competing against women — as a “sick bully” and “sore loser.”
“You should be uplifting the trans community… maybe a transgender category in all sports!” Biles posted. “But instead… you bully them… No one in sports is safe with you around!” Gaines fired back: “Oop don’t you hate it when your past self completely undermines your current nonsensical argument?”
When Social Media Bites Back
We’ve all heard the saying, “The internet never forgets.” Simone Biles, one of the most celebrated gymnasts in history, is now experiencing the truth behind that phrase. Her recent criticism of former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines has stirred attention, but what’s making even bigger headlines is an old social media post from Biles that seems to contradict her stance. Let’s dive into what happened, why it matters, and how it could impact both women’s public image.
Who Is Simone Biles?
Before we unpack the controversy, let’s remind ourselves who Simone Biles is. She’s not just any athlete—she’s a four-time Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Beyond sports, she has become a powerful voice in mental health advocacy, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
Who Is Riley Gaines?
Riley Gaines is a former collegiate swimmer who made headlines for speaking out against transgender women competing in women’s sports. Her outspoken stance has made her a controversial figure, but also a recognizable name in ongoing debates around fairness in athletics.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
The drama began when Biles publicly criticized Gaines, framing her comments as insensitive and dismissive. Biles positioned herself as a voice of inclusivity and fairness. But in the age of screenshots and digital archives, people quickly dug up a past post from Biles that didn’t quite align with her latest statements.
The Old Post Resurfaces
That’s where the internet turned on Biles. A resurfaced social media post from years ago suggested that her past perspective might not match her current stance. For critics, this was proof of hypocrisy. For supporters, it was just evidence of personal growth. Either way, it gave fuel to the conversation.
Why Social Media Posts Come Back to Haunt Celebrities
In today’s world, every tweet, Instagram caption, or TikTok clip is stored somewhere. No matter how famous—or careful—you are, people will find old posts when controversy arises. Biles isn’t the first celebrity to be caught in this trap, and she certainly won’t be the last.
Hypocrisy or Growth? The Big Question
The real debate boils down to this: Was Simone Biles being hypocritical, or has she genuinely grown and changed her perspective over time? People evolve, opinions shift, and life experiences can completely reshape how we view the world. But when it comes to social media, the internet rarely gives the benefit of the doubt.
The Riley Gaines Factor
Riley Gaines, on the other hand, wasted no time in doubling down on her beliefs. She took advantage of the moment to highlight what she sees as inconsistencies in her critics’ arguments. This only amplified the back-and-forth tension between both athletes and their supporters.
The Role of Cancel Culture
Cancel culture plays a big role here. In some circles, resurfacing an old post is seen as “holding someone accountable.” In others, it’s seen as an unfair weapon used to silence voices. Biles’ case fits squarely into this ongoing cultural debate.
Public Reactions: Fans Divided
Fans are split down the middle. Some defend Biles, arguing that personal growth is normal and should be celebrated. Others insist that her past words undermine her credibility. Social media platforms have become a battleground of comments, memes, and hot takes.
The Media’s Amplification
Mainstream media has jumped all over the story. Headlines framing the controversy as a “clash” or a “battle” between Biles and Gaines amplify the drama, often overshadowing the nuances of the situation. This, in turn, fuels more engagement, clicks, and arguments online.
What This Means for Simone Biles
For Biles, the incident is a reminder that her words—past and present—will always be under a microscope. Her reputation as an athlete is untouchable, but her image as a role model may require some damage control. Addressing the old post head-on could help her regain control of the narrative.
What This Means for Riley Gaines
For Gaines, this controversy gives her an opportunity to reinforce her message. Every time a high-profile critic stumbles, it strengthens her platform among supporters. While she’s polarizing, she knows how to leverage media attention to her advantage.
The Bigger Picture: Sports, Politics, and Society
This isn’t just about two athletes. It’s about how sports have become a stage for larger cultural battles—issues of identity, fairness, inclusion, and freedom of speech. Simone Biles and Riley Gaines are now part of a much bigger conversation that extends far beyond gymnastics or swimming.
Lessons for Athletes and Influencers
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: nothing online ever really disappears. Athletes, influencers, and even everyday users need to think twice before hitting “post.” What feels harmless in the moment could resurface years later in a completely different context.
Conclusion: The Internet Doesn’t Forget
Simone Biles’ clash with Riley Gaines is more than a headline—it’s a cautionary tale. Whether you see it as hypocrisy or growth, the resurfacing of her old post proves one thing: social media is forever. Both women have used their voices to push their beliefs, but the internet will always hold them accountable to their words—past and present.
FAQs
1. Why is Simone Biles being criticized for an old social media post?
Because the post contradicts her recent criticism of Riley Gaines, leading people to accuse her of hypocrisy.
2. Did Riley Gaines respond to the resurfaced post?
Yes, Gaines seized the opportunity to highlight what she believes are inconsistencies in Biles’ arguments.
3. Does this controversy affect Simone Biles’ athletic legacy?
Not at all. Her achievements in gymnastics remain untouched, though her image as a public voice may be affected.
4. Can celebrities ever escape their old posts?
It’s tough. Once something is online, it can resurface years later, especially during controversies.
5. What’s the bigger takeaway from this story?
The importance of accountability, the permanence of social media, and the ongoing cultural debate about fairness in sports.
