Simone Biles Apologizes to Riley Gaines Over Trans Athlete Dispute

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles issued a public apology to former NCAA swimmer and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines following their heated social media feud over transgender athletes competing in women's sports. The conflict ignited after Gaines criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for including a transgender player, prompting Biles to respond with sharp personal attacks, calling Gaines a "sore loser" and accusing her of bullying. Biles later posted a detailed apology emphasizing her belief in balancing competitive equity and inclusivity, acknowledging that she should not have taken personal shots and underscoring the need for empathy and respect in these complex discussions. She stressed that individual athletes, especially children, should not be subjected to public scrutiny for systemic issues beyond their control, while reaffirming her stance against policies that compromise fairness in women's sports. Gaines responded by dismissing Biles's apology and maintaining her position that transgender women should not compete in women's sports. The dispute highlights the ongoing tension and polarized views surrounding transgender athletes' participation in competitive sports.