Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines, In the dynamic world of sports, where athletic prowess meets social discourse, few debates have sparked as much attention as the recent clash between Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles and former NCAA swimmer turned conservative activist Riley Gaines. The public feud, which erupted in June 2025, centers on the contentious issue of transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media and news outlets.
This article delves into the specifics of what Simone Biles said about Riley Gaines, explores the broader context of their disagreement, addresses the question of whether Riley Gaines is related to Rowdy Gaines, and provides an in-depth look at the Riley Gaines story, all while navigating the complexities of the Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines narrative Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines.
The Spark: What Did Simone Biles Say About Riley Gaines?
The public spat between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines began on June 6, 2025, when Biles took to X to respond to Gaines’ comments about a transgender athlete on the Champlin Park High School girls’ softball team, which had just won the Minnesota state championship. Gaines, a vocal critic of transgender women competing in women’s sports, mocked the Minnesota State High School League for disabling comments on a post celebrating the team’s victory, writing, “Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.” This statement referred to Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender pitcher who led the team to a shutout victory.
Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines
Simone Biles, known for her unparalleled achievements in gymnastics and her advocacy for mental health and inclusivity, responded with a scathing rebuke. In a post on X, Biles wrote, “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. 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. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One thing’s for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!” In a follow-up post, she added, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_.”
Biles’ remarks were direct and personal, accusing Gaines of bullying transgender athletes and suggesting that her activism stemmed from bitterness over a past loss. Specifically, Biles referenced Gaines’ tie for fifth place with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championships, implying that this event fueled Gaines’ campaign against transgender inclusion in sports. The Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines feud quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking heated debates about fairness, inclusion, and the role of athletes in social issues.
The Riley Gaines Story: From Swimmer to Activist
To understand the context of what Simone Biles said about Riley Gaines, it’s essential to explore the Riley Gaines story. Riley Marie Gaines Barker, born April 21, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a former competitive swimmer who competed for the University of Kentucky. A 12-time NCAA All-American, Gaines achieved notable success in her collegiate career, including a fifth-place tie with Lia Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Championships. This event became a pivotal moment in the Riley Gaines story, as it marked the beginning of her transition from athlete to conservative activist.
Following the 2022 championships, where Thomas became the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA title in the 500-yard freestyle, Gaines began advocating against the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports. She has argued that transgender women, particularly those who have undergone male puberty, retain physical advantages that undermine fairness in competition. Gaines’ activism gained traction, leading her to retire from competitive swimming in April 2022 to focus on her advocacy.
She has since become a prominent figure in conservative media, hosting the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick and Fox Nation and aligning with political figures like Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in February 2025 banning transgender women from women’s sports.
The Riley Gaines story is also marked by controversy. Her outspoken criticism of transgender athletes has drawn both support and backlash. Supporters view her as a defender of women’s sports, while critics, including Biles, accuse her of targeting vulnerable transgender youth. In April 2023, Gaines faced physical assault by a protester during a speaking event at San Francisco State University, an incident she cited as reinforcing her commitment to her cause.
Is Riley Gaines Related to Rowdy Gaines?
A common question that arises in discussions about the Riley Gaines story is whether she is related to Rowdy Gaines, another prominent figure in the swimming world. Rowdy Gaines, born Ambrose Gaines IV, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and renowned NBC commentator known for his expertise in swimming. Despite sharing the same surname and both being accomplished swimmers, Riley Gaines is not related to Rowdy Gaines.
The confusion stems from their shared involvement in swimming and the same last name, but their connection is purely professional, and they hold differing views on transgender inclusion in sports. Rowdy Gaines supports the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports, contrasting sharply with Riley’s stance.
This distinction is crucial when examining the Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines controversy, as it clarifies that Riley’s views and activism are her own and not tied to a familial legacy in swimming. The question of whether Riley Gaines is related to Rowdy Gaines often surfaces on social media, but the answer is clear: they are unrelated, and their shared surname is coincidental.
Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines: The Core of the Conflict
The Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines feud is more than a personal spat; it reflects a broader societal debate about transgender athletes in women’s sports. Biles’ comments about Gaines highlight her belief in fostering inclusivity and supporting marginalized communities, including transgender athletes. Her suggestion of a separate transgender category in sports was an attempt to propose a solution that balances inclusion with fairness, though it drew criticism from both sides. Some saw it as a practical compromise, while others, including Gaines, argued that it sidesteps the issue of biological differences in competition.
Gaines’ response to Biles was equally sharp. She called Biles’ stance “disappointing” and accused her of being a “male-apologist” who undermines young girls’ dreams. In a particularly controversial move, Gaines referenced Biles’ experience as a survivor of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, writing, “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.” This comment drew widespread condemnation for weaponizing Biles’ trauma, with many calling it a low blow that deflected from the core issue.
The Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines clash underscores their differing approaches to advocacy. Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist and advocate for mental health and survivor rights, has used her platform to promote kindness and inclusion. Her comments about Gaines reflect her frustration with what she perceives as bullying behavior toward transgender athletes, particularly minors like Marissa Rothenberger. Gaines, on the other hand, frames her activism as a defense of fairness in women’s sports, arguing that biological males have inherent physical advantages that disrupt competitive equity.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines feud generated significant media attention and polarized reactions. Biles’ posts on X garnered over 40 million views, with many praising her for defending the transgender community. Comments on platforms like Reddit lauded her as “honest and articulate” and celebrated her for standing up to Gaines.
Conversely, Gaines received support from conservative commentators and fans who viewed her as a champion for women’s sports. OutKick, where Gaines is a contributor, called Biles’ remarks “self-contradicting,” while former ESPN reporter Sage Steele defended Gaines, arguing that Biles’ criticism ignored the challenges Gaines faced competing against Lia Thomas.
The Riley Gaines story also intersects with broader political currents. Gaines’ alignment with conservative figures like Trump and her role in advocating for policies like the February 2025 executive order banning transgender women from women’s sports have made her a lightning rod for criticism. Biles’ decision to call out Gaines reflects her willingness to engage in politically charged issues, despite her primary focus on gymnastics and mental health advocacy.
The Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines narrative thus serves as a microcosm of the ongoing national debate over transgender inclusion in sports, with both athletes using their platforms to influence public opinion.
The Broader Context: Transgender Athletes in Sports
The Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines feud is set against the backdrop of a highly charged debate about transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. In recent years, this issue has become a lightning rod in the United States, with at least 27 states enacting laws or policies banning transgender students from competing in sports consistent with their gender identity. In February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in female sports, a move Gaines publicly supported.
Proponents of such policies, like Gaines, argue that transgender women who have undergone male puberty retain physical advantages, such as greater muscle mass and bone density, that can skew competition. Critics, including Biles, contend that these policies often target vulnerable transgender youth and fail to account for the diversity of athletic ability and the importance of inclusive environments. Biles’ suggestion of a separate transgender category, while controversial, reflects a desire to find a solution that allows all athletes to compete safely and fairly.
Riley Gaines Related to Rowdy Gaines: Clearing Up Misconceptions
Returning to the question of whether Riley Gaines is related to Rowdy Gaines, it’s worth reiterating that no familial connection exists. Rowdy Gaines, a celebrated figure in swimming, has a legacy tied to Olympic success and commentary, while Riley Gaines has carved her own path as an activist. Their differing views on transgender inclusion highlight the diversity of perspectives within the swimming community, and conflating their identities risks muddling the Riley Gaines story.
Conclusion: A Clash of Values and Visions
The Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines feud encapsulates a clash of values—fairness versus inclusion, individual advocacy versus systemic change. What Simone Biles said about Riley Gaines was not just a personal critique but a call for a more compassionate approach to the transgender athlete debate. Biles’ accusations of bullying and her push for inclusivity contrast sharply with Gaines’ focus on protecting the integrity of women’s sports.
The Riley Gaines story, from her NCAA swimming career to her rise as a conservative activist, provides critical context for understanding her stance, while the question of whether Riley Gaines is related to Rowdy Gaines clarifies a common misconception.
As the debate over transgender athletes continues, the Simone Biles vs Riley Gaines narrative serves as a reminder of the power of athletes to shape public discourse. Both women, through their words and actions, have highlighted the complexities of balancing fairness, inclusion, and respect in sports. Whether through Biles’ call for kindness or Gaines’ push for policy change, their voices underscore the need for thoughtful solutions that honor all athletes’ experiences.