Background of the Controversy

Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines has been vocal in her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Her activism gained momentum following a lawsuit she filed against the NCAA with other athletes in March 2024. The lawsuit alleges that the organization infringed upon Title IX rights by permitting transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to participate in national championships, where they famously tied for fifth place in a 200-yard event, with only Thomas receiving the trophy.

Gaines’ Recent Remarks

Gaines has recently escalated her rhetoric, particularly targeting transgender youth. She criticized the Minnesota State High School League for restricting comments on a post celebrating a girls’ team, which includes a transgender athlete. In her post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gaines stated, “Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.”

Biles’ Response

In reaction to Gaines’ comments, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles voiced her disapproval on social media. Biles accused Gaines of being a “sore loser,” suggesting that instead of disparaging the transgender community, she should seek ways to promote inclusivity in sports. “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race,” Biles remarked. She further emphasized, “You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive or creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports.”

Biles concluded her criticisms by stating, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”

Gaines’ Counter-Arguments

In a rebuttal, Gaines expressed disappointment in Biles’ stance, labeling her a “male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams.” She insinuated that if Biles supports gender inclusivity in sports, she might as well compete in men’s gymnastics during the upcoming 2028 Olympics. Furthermore, Gaines invoked the case of Larry Nassar, a former national team doctor convicted of sexual abuse, arguing that Biles’ perspective would lead to a detrimental situation for female athletes.

Gaines remarked, “All the horrific sexual abuse @Simone_Biles witnessed and spoke out against caused by one man, yet believes women should be forced to strip naked in front of men to validate the man’s feelings.” She concluded her remarks with speculation on how many gold medals Biles would have without her ‘inclusive dream’ being realized: “Zero.”