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. (RELATED: ‘You Are A Misogynist’: Riley Gaines Hits Back At Dem Rep Calling Her ‘Transphobic,’ Rep Then Disrupts Hearing)
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?”
Why One Old Post Can Change the Narrative
You ever find yourself scrolling through your own old posts and thinking, “Oh no—did I really write that?” That’s exactly what happened here. Simone Biles made headlines defending trans inclusion in sports—but beneath the surface, an older post secretly started whispering conflicting messages.
The Power of Nostalgia Meets Contradiction
We all love a good throwback. But when that throwback contradicts your current stance? Cue the awkwardness. Simone’s well-meaning past message now stands side-by-side with her recent bold statements—and that’s where the unease starts.
The Riley Gaines Factor—What’s the Drama About?
Let’s connect the dots: Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, became a vocal critic of trans female athletes. Simone Biles stepped up to bat in defense of inclusion… but, surprise, unearthed memories popped up, muddying the water.
What Was Simone’s Original Attack?
She responded to Gaines’ criticism with unequivocal support for trans rights—confident, direct, unwavering. But when fans saw that old post, suddenly things got more complicated.
The Detail That Sparked the Conversation
In throwback mode, Simone had once made a joke or shared a sentiment—now it reads differently under today’s lens. While it wasn’t offensive per se, it felt at odds with her progressive stance. And human brains? They love a juicy contradiction.
Human Nature: Why We Obsess Over Consistency
Ever watched someone trip over their words and then become obsessed with that one flub? We like consistency. When we spot any dissonance, our minds light up: “Wait, what’s going on here?”
Social Media Receives with a Double-Tap
Social media doesn’t forget. That “like,” that “share,” that screenshot—they outlive their authors. Simone’s earlier post became a relic that—intentionally or not—drilled into the optics of her current statement.
SEO Angle—Related Keywords that Drive Traffic
-
Simone Biles Riley Gaines controversy
-
Simone throwback post backlash
-
Trans inclusion in sports Simone Biles
-
Social media contradictions athlete statements
Personalized Tone: Talking to You Like a Friend
Let’s say you posted something five years ago—then, bam, it resurfaces when you’re trying to make a big point. Classic. Simone’s feeling that. And so are we, watching unfold in real time.
Breaking Down the Irony
Oh, the delicious irony. Simone’s execution: Be a champion of fairness. Then—surprise!—your past collides with your best intentions. It’s like cheering for world peace with a napkin that has “world domination” scribbled under your plate.
What Happens Next?
-
Fans analyze the content.
-
Media writes headlines.
-
Simone—or her team—issues an explanation or softens tone.
-
The conversation shifts (or not).
Either way, it’s a lesson in how little white “nostalgia” posts can pack a rhetorical punch.
The Larger Implication for Influencers and Athletes
Simone isn’t the first—and won’t be the last—to face the old-post paradox. Whether you’re an athlete, influencer, or just someone tweeting from the couch, your past is always out there, begging for context checks.
How to Avoid Your Own Social-Media Boomerang
-
Review old posts now and then—especially before big statements.
-
Keep a consistent tone (or at least anticipate how your tone might evolve).
-
Don’t be afraid to explain where you’ve come from.
SEO Optimized Conclusion Section
Using related keywords one last time: Simone Biles’ Riley Gaines controversy illustrates how even a nostalgic throwback post can disrupt a powerful message on trans inclusion in sports. Athletes and public figures must stay conscious of their digital archives—because consistency is key, and so is preparation.
Final Thoughts—Let’s Wrap This Up
Here’s the takeaway, plain and simple: Simone’s flashback post isn’t a scandal—it’s a reminder. Words, even old ones, stick around. The moment you claim the moral high ground, your history becomes fair game. But hey, isn’t that just part of being human?
Conclusion
In the social-media age, every post, no matter how old or innocuous, holds the potential to ripple. Simone Biles’ case shows how nostalgic content can stand in sharp contrast to new positions—especially on sensitive topics like trans inclusion in sports. Her situation isn’t unique—but it’s a solid lesson: stay mindful, stay consistent, and remember that context matters. Human as it gets, right?
