Additional Coverage:
- Simone Biles stock sinks further as former teammate and Hollywood star pile in on gymnast (irishstar.com)
Simone Biles and Riley Gaines Spar Over Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines recently clashed on social media over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The online exchange began when Biles criticized Gaines for her stance against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, referring to Gaines as a “bully.”
Gaines, a vocal critic of current policies, had recently commented on a Minnesota girls’ state softball championship won by a team with a transgender athlete. Biles later apologized for her personal remarks towards Gaines, acknowledging the sensitivity and complexity of the issue.
The public disagreement drew attention from various figures, including actor Rob Schneider, who voiced support for Gaines. Fellow Olympic gymnast MyKayla Skinner also sided with Gaines, criticizing Biles for her comments.
Skinner, who competed alongside Biles at the Tokyo Olympics, expressed her disappointment, stating that athletes should support each other rather than resorting to public attacks. She further alleged that Biles had belittled and ostracized her during their time together on the U.S. gymnastics circuit, claiming the pressure to remain silent had been immense.
Skinner stated that Biles’ public criticism of Gaines made her feel it was necessary to speak out.