Riley Gaines claims Simone Biles incinerated her legacy over trans athlete debate

In June 2025, Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer, criticized Simone Biles for her social media attack regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. Following Biles' remarks, which included calling Gaines a "sore loser" in response to a transgender athlete winning a championship, Gaines articulated her disappointment and highlighted the broader implications of Biles' stance for women's sports. Gaines, who has been an advocate for fairness in women's sports since tying with Lia Thomas in 2022, expressed that Biles' comments were disheartening and harmful to the progress women have made in sports, especially considering Biles' status as a leading figure in women's gymnastics. Gaines discussed the fallout of Biles' comments, mentioning that she believed Biles inadvertently acknowledged the reality of transgender athletes when she suggested the creation of a separate category for them. This line of reasoning, according to Gaines, indicated that Biles might not fully understand the implications of her support for transgender athletes competing in women's events. Gaines's younger sister, who is also a gymnast, shared her conflicted feelings about Biles' comments, indicating a possible divide among young athletes regarding Biles' controversial stance and its reflection on unity in women's sports. The situation escalated online with many siding with Gaines, as Biles received backlash for the body-shaming remarks towards Gaines. This exchange underscored the ongoing debate about the nature of inclusivity in sports and the safeguarding of women's spaces. Both athletes emerged from the feud with their legacies questioned, bringing further attention to the controversy surrounding transgender athletes' participation in women's sports. As the discussion continues, it raises critical questions about the future of sports categories and what constitutes fairness in competition, particularly in light of the increasing visibility of transgender athletes in various sports. Riley Gaines extended an invitation to Biles for a conversation on the issue, emphasizing the need to engage in thoughtful discussions rather than divisive attacks. The responses and discussions emerging from this feud illustrate a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for equality and representation in sports, encapsulating both support and resistance within the broader community of female athletes. It highlights the complexities of advocating for women's rights while navigating the inclusion of transgender individuals in competitive sports environments, a topic that remains contentious and deeply polarizing.