Simone Biles Engages in Conversation About Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

Simone Biles, a prominent figure in gymnastics, is probably confident that her stance on trans athletes competing in women’s sports is widely accepted. This opinion was highlighted by fellow gymnast and seven-time national champion Jennifer Say, who reached out to Biles following remarks made by activist and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, who expressed being “truly ill” after participating in events alongside trans women. Biles emphasized the importance of promoting the trans community and making sports more inclusive.

Say commented to Blaze News that Biles’ perspective might be shaped by her position as an elite athlete, indicating that her success has fostered an environment filled with praise and affirmation, possibly distorting her views. “She’s undoubtedly an icon, and I don’t think she’s entirely in the wrong,” Say stated, but she also pointed out the unique pressures faced by gymnasts. Biles has trained in a highly disciplined environment that demands obedience, often at the cost of broader education—it’s likely that she hasn’t had a chance to explore varying viewpoints on this matter.

In Say’s words, “For over a decade, you simply follow what your coaches say. Plus, Biles likely didn’t experience much of a traditional education route, so her knowledge of world issues could be limited. She is, after all, a gymnast.”

As a celebrity, Biles may have underestimated the backlash her comments would provoke. Say noted that there seemed to be an impulsive nature behind Biles’ words, suggesting that she may be living in a bubble where she presumed her views would be met with agreement.

Others in the female sports community also voiced their concerns. Former NCAA swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler shared her experience of competing alongside a trans athlete and indicated that Biles has not faced the same scenario in gymnastics. Wheeler asserted, “If a male gymnast competed in her category and succeeded, I don’t think she would be supportive of that—it’d be viewed as unfair.” Skateboarder Taylor Silverman, who faced similar competition challenges, also reached out to Biles, asking her a thought-provoking question: “If Larry Nassar identified as trans, would you think it appropriate for him to be placed in a women’s facility?” Nassar, a former doctor for the U.S. gymnastics team, was convicted of sexual abuse.

Amid the discourse, Biles has not publicly responded to the criticisms directed her way. Meanwhile, she has continued to promote LGBTQ+ support on social media. Recently, she commented that Gaines was being “bullied,” calling attention to the complexities surrounding the issue.

Gaines herself responded to Biles, asserting that it is not her responsibility to ensure inclusion of trans individuals within women’s spaces, expressing her frustration with the ongoing dialogue.