Olympic legend Simone Biles and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines are at the center of a heated online clash after Gaines criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for including a transgender player. Gaines, known for her outspoken opposition to trans women competing in female sports, mocked the team’s star pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger, calling her “a boy” in a post on X.
Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, fired back, calling Gaines “truly sick” and a “sore loser,” referencing Gaines’ fifth-place tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships. Biles urged Gaines to support the trans community and suggested creating a transgender category in all sports, accusing Gaines of bullying rather than seeking solutions for inclusion.
The feud quickly escalated, with Gaines responding by referencing Biles’ past trauma and questioning her stance, while Biles doubled down on her criticism. The exchange has reignited the national debate over transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, drawing in high-profile commentators and sparking widespread discussion across social media.
As the story continues to unfold, both athletes remain firm in their positions, ensuring that the controversy—and the broader conversation about fairness and inclusion in sports—remains in the spotlight.
