Simone Biles has extended her views on fair competition in the trans athlete discussion following a social media clash with Riley Gaines over the weekend.
In a detailed message on X, the 11-time Olympic medalist gymnast pointed out that the current system fails to adequately balance “competitive equity” and “inclusiveness.” This lack of balance has often led to heated exchanges with Gaines, which, she noted, has, at times, involved up to 28 people apologizing.
“I wanted to follow up from my last tweet. I’ve always believed that both competitive equity and inclusivity are crucial in sports. The way things stand now doesn’t really harmonize these principles, and it often results in frustration and intense interactions, which hasn’t helped my relationship with Riley,” she shared.
The online drama between Biles and Gaines, who is 25, began last week when Gaines reacted to a Minnesota high school softball team, celebrating a transgender pitcher who helped them win the state championship.
In her remarks regarding the team’s victory, Gaines commented, “We expect to see what you expect when your star player is a boy.”
Biles responded to her remarks, expressing that she was “really sick” about the situation.
In a follow-up, she mentioned to Gaines, “Ironically, bully your own size that will become a man.” Biles acknowledges that these issues are sensitive and complex. “I don’t really have any clear answers or solutions, but I think discussions should start with empathy and respect. I’m not pushing for policies that undermine women’s sports equity,” she emphasized. “My concern is about putting children in the line of fire for faults in systems they aren’t responsible for.”
Biles wrapped up her post by expressing her hopes for the future of sports.
Recently, the topic has gained more attention from figures like former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.
