Renowned 11-time Olympic medalist gymnast Simone Biles issued an extensive statement on Tuesday, in which she reconsidered her stance regarding transgender athletes following a contentious dispute with Riley Gaines on social media.
In her post, shared on X, Biles remarked that the current system fails to adequately balance principles such as competitive equity and inclusivity, which frequently results in heated exchanges, similar to the one she experienced with Gaines.
Biles, aged 28, subsequently extended an apology to Gaines.
“I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I’ve always believed that competitive equity and inclusivity are both vital in sports. The current system does not sufficiently balance these crucial principles, which often leads to frustration and intense exchanges, and it was inappropriate for me to get personal with Riley, for which I apologize,” Biles stated in her post.
The controversy began last week when Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer turned political activist, reacted to a Minnesota High School softball team that secured a state championship with a biological male pitcher on their roster.
Gaines responded to the post by stating, “To be expected when your star player is a boy.” This comment did not resonate well with Biles, who labeled Gaines as “truly sick.”
Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, further commented, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
“These are sensitive, complicated issues that I genuinely do not possess the answers or solutions to, but I believe it begins with empathy and respect. I was not endorsing policies that undermine fairness in women’s sports,” Biles stated in her announcement on Tuesday. “My concern is about singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and damaging. Individual athletes—particularly children—should never be the target of criticism regarding a flawed system over which they have no control. I believe sports organizations have a duty to establish rules that promote inclusion while ensuring fair competition.”
In response to the gymnast’s remarks on Friday, Gaines expressed, “This is so disappointing. My perspective is the least controversial opinion on the planet. Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ aspirations? That was not something I anticipated.”
Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick also entered the discussion.
“This issue has a limited duration. I firmly believe that common sense will ultimately prevail,” Patrick commented on Sunday in an Instagram post. “However, until that time, I am thankful for individuals like Riley Gaines who are ensuring that no one escapes accountability. Additionally, she has actually experienced it firsthand.”
Biles concluded her message by expressing her hope that the future of the sport will be one “that is fair, inclusive, and respectful.”
