A high school softball celebration post ignited a national debate after Riley Gaines—former NCAA swimmer and advocate for single-sex sports—reposted it with a pointed comment:
“Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy.”
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles fired back:
“You’re truly sick… Straight up sore loser.”
Biles accused Gaines of bullying trans athletes and suggested a third competition category for inclusion. Gaines responded by accusing Biles of turning her back on women and engaging in body-shaming, calling the remarks personal and hypocritical. The clash quickly divided the internet. Critics of Biles said her tone was unbefitting a role model; supporters praised her stand for inclusivity.
Gaines gained more visibility and reiterated her stance that women’s sports should exclude biological males for fairness and safety.
This public spat highlights a broader, ongoing debate about transgender inclusion in women’s sports. Gaines, known for her activism since tying with trans swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022, continues to campaign for preserving single-sex competition. Biles, meanwhile, has increasingly advocated for mental health, inclusion, and equity in sports.
As both athletes stand firm, the controversy underscores the cultural divide over gender, fairness, and identity in athletics—and the growing role athletes play in shaping public discourse.