Simone Biles, Riley Gaines Clash Over Minnesota Trans Athlete Debate

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and conservative activist Riley Gaines engaged in a heated online feud over transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Gaines criticized a Minnesota high school softball team that included a transgender pitcher, calling the player a "boy" and dismissing the team's championship. Biles strongly condemned Gaines' comments, labeling her as a "sore loser" who lost a race to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and urging her to support inclusivity in sports or create a separate transgender category. Gaines responded by rejecting the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports and referenced Biles' past abuse by Larry Nassar, accusing her of supporting policies that force women to validate men in female spaces. The debate reflects broader national tensions, with President Donald Trump's administration recently challenging California's policies on transgender athletes. Both women remain firm in their positions, with Biles advocating for acceptance and Gaines continuing her campaign against transgender participation in female sports.