In a recent episode of her podcast Gaines for Girls, Riley Gaines openly criticized Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, claiming that the athlete “basically incinerated her legacy in just two tweets.” The controversy erupted after Biles made comments on social media targeting Gaines, prompting a swift and sharp response from the former NCAA swimmer.
The Online Feud Begins
The incident began when Simone Biles responded to Gaines on X (formerly Twitter), reportedly criticizing her views on fairness in women’s sports. Gaines, a vocal advocate for protecting female-only categories in sports, interpreted Biles’ remarks as a personal attack and wasted no time in addressing it publicly. A few hours later, she recorded her podcast episode expressing her disappointment and frustration.
Gaines’ Reaction on Her Podcast
In the latest Gaines for Girls episode published via OutKick, Gaines spoke candidly about how the comments from Biles struck a nerve. “It’s not just about me,” Gaines emphasized, “it’s about millions of female athletes who want a level playing field.” She argued that Biles, as an icon in women’s sports, should have used her platform more responsibly.
Gaines accused Biles of turning her back on the very principles that helped shape her career. “To see someone of her stature stoop to name-calling and mocking instead of engaging in rational discussion is not just disappointing — it’s damaging,” Gaines stated.
Legacy Under Fire?
Simone Biles, often considered one of the greatest gymnasts in history, has won numerous Olympic and World Championship medals and has been widely celebrated for her strength, talent, and mental health advocacy. However, according to Gaines, her recent actions risk undermining her hard-earned reputation.
“She’s a role model to young girls across the world,” Gaines said. “But what kind of message does it send when she chooses to silence and mock women who simply advocate for fairness in competition?”
A Bigger Debate: Fairness in Women’s Sports
The exchange between Biles and Gaines goes beyond personal grievances — it taps into a broader, hotly contested issue: the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Gaines has long maintained that allowing biological males to compete in female sports creates an uneven playing field, while others, like Biles, advocate for inclusion and acceptance.
Gaines argued during the podcast that this is not about exclusion but about preserving opportunities for biological women. “It’s not transphobic to want fair competition,” she said. “It’s common sense.”
The Role of Celebrities and Athletes in Social Issues
One of the more striking points Gaines made was about the responsibility that comes with being in the public eye. According to her, athletes like Biles must consider the broader impact of their words and actions.
“When you have millions of followers and global influence, you don’t get the luxury of careless tweeting,” Gaines said. “Words matter, especially when they can sway public opinion or hurt someone’s reputation.”
Support and Backlash
Following Biles’ tweets and Gaines’ podcast response, social media lit up with opinions from both sides. Some users defended Biles, applauding her courage to speak up against what they saw as discrimination. Others sided with Gaines, thanking her for standing firm in her beliefs.
The polarizing debate has once again illustrated the deep divisions surrounding transgender inclusion in sports and the expectations placed on high-profile athletes to navigate these issues carefully.
A Call for Dialogue
Despite the tension, Gaines concluded her podcast episode with a call for open, respectful dialogue. “We’re never going to make progress by canceling each other or calling names,” she said. “Let’s have hard conversations. Let’s listen, even when we disagree.”
She added that she still holds respect for Biles’ athletic achievements but expressed hope that the gymnast would reconsider her approach to difficult topics.