Simone Biles recently expressed regret to conservative activist Riley Gaines for something personal that surfaced during a disagreement over transgender athletes. Yet, she maintains that both competitiveness and inclusion are vital for sports.
In a post on X, Biles addressed Gaines, who criticized the involvement of transgender athletes in a Minnesota high school softball team, noting that players labeled those athletes as “boys.” Biles stated that it seems like Gaines is “really tired of it” and suggested the contention might stem from a lost race.
Biles encouraged Gaines to either find ways to uplift the transgender community and promote inclusivity in sports, or alternatively, to create safe spaces for transgender athletes. She also mentioned that, ironically, Gaines might be bullying those she claims to defend.
Gaines responded, asserting that Biles’s remarks reflect a compromise on behalf of women and girls who aspire to succeed in sports.
Biles, addressing her nearly two million followers on Tuesday, noted that the existing systems often struggle to strike a balance between key principles, resulting in frustration and intense exchanges, which she felt made her interaction with Gaines more personal than intended.
“These are sensitive and complex matters, and while I don’t have a clear solution, I believe it begins with empathy and respect,” she stated.
Biles clarified that she does not support policies that undermine women’s sports equity and emphasized her opposition to singling out children for public scrutiny, as they have no control over the flawed systems in place.
She asserted, “Individual athletes, particularly children, shouldn’t be the target of criticism.” Biles believes sports organizations should craft rules that foster inclusion while also ensuring fair competition.
“We all aspire to create a future that is fair, inclusive, and respectful within sports,” she concluded.
