Overview

• Simone Biles initially criticized Riley Gaines on social media, calling her “truly sick” and a “straight up sore loser” after Gaines opposed transgender athletes in women’s sports.
• The dispute began when Gaines highlighted a Minnesota girls’ softball team’s state championship win led by a transgender male pitcher.
• Biles faced criticism for body-shaming allegations and issued a follow-up apology acknowledging her comments were inappropriate.
• Gaines accepted the apology but continues to advocate for policies that would restrict transgender women to male sports categories.
• The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over how governing bodies should balance competitive fairness with inclusivity for transgender athletes.