Riley Gaines Discusses Simone Biles on Her Podcast
In a recent podcast episode, Riley Gaines shared that her sister, Neely, has reflected deeply on the recent remarks made by Simone Biles. She interpreted Biles’ comments as tapping into the ongoing debate regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Neely Gaines is an accomplished gymnast, having won the Tennessee state championship in 2023. Riley talked about their collaborative efforts on the “Gaines for Girls” podcast, which they often record early in the morning, despite Neely’s hectic schedule.
Riley expressed surprise at Biles’ social media posts directed at former NCAA national swimmers, particularly since her sister is an avid fan of Biles. “This morning, she looked emotional, almost tearing up,” Riley recounted. “She grapples with her feelings about this situation. She views me as a role model, someone she wants to emulate.”
Neely communicated her confusion, stating, “Riley, I thought you and Simone were advocating for the same cause, promoting women in sports, but it looks like you aren’t.” She was clearly troubled by how Biles’ statements could affect young girls looking up to them.
Biles had previously voiced her opinion about the fairness of women’s sports, especially in relation to transgender athletes participating in events like Minnesota’s softball championships.
Riley highlighted that her sister’s respect for Biles complicates matters, noting, “Neely is a huge admirer of Biles, yet she’s taken aback by this division.” The situation seemed to confuse and upset her.
Biles had criticized Gaines in a post, implying that her stance was merely a result of losing a race, insinuating that it was wrong to “bully” others in sports. In response, Gaines termed the situation a disappointment, suggesting that Biles might not be supporting young female athletes. “Is Simone Biles really siding with males at the cost of young girls’ aspirations? I didn’t see that coming,” Gaines mused.
Riley’s reflections introduce a complex layer to the discussion, with emotions and loyalties clashing. It’s a reminder that the world of sports is not just about competition; it is also deeply intertwined with personal feelings and societal issues.
