Simone Biles Calls Out Riley Gaines on Trans Comments
- Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is advocating for inclusivity in sports, especially for transgender athletes.
- Gaines criticized Champlin Park, a Minnesota High School League softball team, after their Class AAAA state championship win.
- Biles directly addressed Gaines on X, formerly Twitter, accusing her of campaigning due to a past race loss.
Simone Biles Defends Trans Athlete Inclusion Amidst Debate
Updated June 6, 2025
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is advocating for inclusivity in sports, especially for transgender athletes. Her stance follows comments made by political activist Riley Gaines regarding a high school softball player. Teh debate highlights the ongoing discussion about trans athlete inclusion and fairness in sports.
Gaines criticized Champlin Park, a Minnesota High School League softball team, after their Class AAAA state championship win. She singled out a player, questioning their gender. Biles responded to Gaines’ remarks, calling for support of the trans community and inclusive sports policies.
Biles directly addressed Gaines on X, formerly Twitter, accusing her of campaigning due to a past race loss. Gaines had previously spoken out against the NCAA’s allowance of Lia Thomas,a transgender woman,to compete in women’s swimming. biles suggested creating a transgender category in all sports to ensure safety and inclusivity.
@Riley_Gaines_ You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning as you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender… https://t.co/pjpzuZ0AlO
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) June 6, 2025
Gaines responded to Biles, stating, “it’s not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces. You can uplift men stealing championships in women’s sports with YOUR platform.men don’t belong in women’s sports, and I say that with my full chest.”
Biles retorted, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.” Her advocacy aligns with her history of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Former gymnast Aly Raisman noted Biles’ impact on mental health awareness, telling Sports Illustrated, “She helps people feel less alone.”
John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images
What’s next
the debate surrounding trans athlete inclusion is expected to continue, with advocates on both sides pushing for policies that balance inclusivity and fairness. Biles’ prominent voice in this discussion is likely to keep the issue in the spotlight.