Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history, has once again grabbed headlines—this time not for her gravity-defying routines, but for her fierce advocacy for transgender inclusion in sports. In a dramatic online clash in early June 2025, Simone Biles called out Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer turned conservative activist, for her repeated targeting of transgender athletes. The exchange, which played out publicly on social media, has reignited the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports and put Simone Biles at the center of a heated cultural moment.
The spark for this latest controversy was a tweet from Riley Gaines mocking a Minnesota high school softball team for featuring a transgender pitcher. Gaines’ post, which referenced the athlete in a derogatory way, drew swift condemnation from Simone Biles. With her platform of nearly two million followers, Biles did not hesitate to challenge Gaines directly, calling her “sick” and accusing her of bullying vulnerable young people. “All of this campaigning because you lost a race,” Biles wrote, referencing Gaines’ shared fifth-place finish with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships.
What makes this story particularly compelling is the contrast between the two figures. Simone Biles, with her record-breaking Olympic achievements and outspoken support for mental health and LGBTQ rights, stands as a beacon of courage and inclusion. Riley Gaines, on the other hand, has transitioned from collegiate athletics to right-wing media, using her platform to amplify calls for excluding transgender athletes from women’s sports. The clash between these two powerful voices has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about fairness, identity, and belonging in sports.
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The Social Media Showdown: Simone Biles vs. Riley Gaines
The online confrontation between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines began when Gaines posted about a Minnesota high school softball team’s state championship win, which featured a transgender pitcher. Gaines’ remark, “To be expected when your star player is a boy,” was widely criticized as dismissive and transphobic. The comment section on the original post was disabled, but Gaines doubled down, mocking the decision to turn off comments.
Simone Biles responded with a series of pointed tweets. She accused Gaines of being a “sore loser,” referencing Gaines’ history of campaigning against transgender athletes since her tie with Lia Thomas. Biles urged Gaines to instead uplift the trans community and work toward making sports more inclusive. “Maybe a transgender category in all sports!! But instead… You bully them,” Biles wrote. She also quipped, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
Gaines fired back, attempting to undermine Biles’ mental health advocacy and calling her a “male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams.” Gaines even sarcastically suggested Biles should compete in men’s gymnastics events, a remark that was widely seen as dismissive and disrespectful. The exchange quickly went viral, with fans and commentators on both sides weighing in.
The Broader Impact of Simone Biles’ Advocacy
Simone Biles’ decision to publicly confront Riley Gaines is not just about a single online argument. It is part of a larger pattern of Biles using her platform to stand up for marginalized communities. Her willingness to speak out, even at personal risk, has made her a role model for athletes and fans alike. In the wake of the social media clash, many have praised Biles for her courage and empathy, while Gaines’ rhetoric has been criticized for perpetuating harm against transgender youth.
The debate over transgender inclusion in sports is complex and emotionally charged. On one side are those who argue that transgender women may have unfair physical advantages in women’s sports. On the other are advocates like Simone Biles, who emphasize the importance of inclusion, safety, and respect for all athletes. Biles’ stance is especially powerful given her own experiences with mental health challenges and public scrutiny. She has consistently shown that true greatness is not just about winning medals, but about standing up for what is right.
The Minnesota high school softball team at the center of the controversy has received support from teammates and fans. The transgender pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger, led her team to a 6-0 victory in the state championship game. Her teammates have spoken out in her defense, calling her a “great kid and a great teammate.” This real-life support stands in stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric of figures like Riley Gaines.
Why Simone Biles Matters in This Debate
Simone Biles’ voice carries enormous weight in the world of sports and beyond. With 11 Olympic medals and countless world championship titles, she is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time. But her influence extends far beyond her athletic achievements. Biles has become a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and advocacy. Her willingness to challenge powerful figures like Riley Gaines sends a clear message: bullying and exclusion have no place in sports.
The recent clash with Riley Gaines is just the latest example of Biles standing up for those who may not have a voice of their own. While Gaines continues to push a narrative of exclusion, Biles is using her platform to advocate for change and inclusion. In a world where transgender athletes face unprecedented levels of scrutiny and hostility, Biles’ support is both timely and necessary.
As the debate over transgender inclusion in sports rages on, Simone Biles’ actions remind us that sports should be a place for everyone to thrive. Her courage in confronting Riley Gaines is a powerful example of how athletes can use their influence to make a difference.
Share your thoughts on the importance of inclusion in sports and how public figures like Simone Biles can shape the conversation. Let’s keep the dialogue open, respectful, and focused on building a more inclusive future for all athletes.