Riley Gaines Responds to Simone Biles’ Comments

Riley Gaines recently addressed Simone Biles’ personal remarks directed at her, particularly focusing on the issue of trans athletes in sports. Gaines shared her thoughts in a social media post and during a recent episode on Outkick’s “Gaines for Girls” podcast.

She highlighted Biles’ comments suggesting there should be a separate category for trans athletes to ensure they feel safe in competitive environments. Gaines found it interesting, or perhaps ironic, that Biles acknowledges the need for a third category while still insisting that trans women are fundamentally male.

“It’s like—I don’t think she realizes that in saying we need another category, she’s kind of admitting there’s a distinction,” Gaines explained. “And, this isn’t a new concept. Governing bodies like Fina, which oversees international swimming competitions, have already taken steps in this direction.” She noted how, after their national championships, Fina quickly set up a more inclusive international competition.

In addition, World Aquatics created an open category for trans athletes but faced challenges when Leah Thomas contested these rules and ultimately lost in court last year. Complications arose as World Aquatics had to discard the open category at the 2023 Berlin Swimming World Cup due to insufficient interest from participants.

Gaines urged that any compromises surrounding the inclusion of trans athletes should also consider the feelings and perspectives of cisgender women in sports. “If you want to propose a compromise, it shouldn’t just come from my side of things. You need to see how women feel about these decisions too,” she stated.

Thomas made headlines for winning the NCAA Championship in 2022, but the NCAA later altered its gender participation policies to align with political shifts, particularly following an executive order from former President Donald Trump.