After speaking up against former swimmer and outspoken conservative Riley Gaines, Simone Biles has sparked a big debate.
Originally, the whole problem began with something meant to bring joy. Minnesota State High School League celebrated Champlin Park’s softball team after they won the Class AAAA State Championship.
In fact, the post incited controversy, which led to a big social media feud between the two sporting giants.
Riley Gaines caused stirring emotions among many people.
Riley Gaines has never been reserved about transgender athletes, and she’s making her point again in a new statement.
Last Friday, the Minnesota State High School League released an image of Champlin Park’s softball team after they earned their state title. However, when Riley Gaines commented below, it caused a lot of disagreement due to her opposition to trans athletes in women’s sports.
“Stop commenting on the subject, lol. It’s normal given that the star player is a young boy.
Meet Champlin Park, the Class AAAA Softball State Champion for 2025. pic.twitter.com/u2S59c9QSS
— Minnesota State High School League (@MSHSL) June 6, 2025
Check out Champlin Park, the 2025 Class AAAA Softball State Champion.
Today, the MSHSL released posts to various platforms about the upcoming event.
She brought up a touchy topic, which right away caused tempers to flare. Some people claimed she was mocking the team and specifically picked on a transgender player even though no names were ever used.
Simone Biles hits back.
It seemed as if Simone Biles wouldn’t be held back. All of his achievements were documented in his 2021 book, tweeted Gaines.
“@Riley_Gaines_ The fact that you are campaigning over a race that you lost is honestly bizarre. In other words, a tough loser.
Biles didn’t take a pause as she continued to compete. She claimed that Gaines prefers to bully transgender athletes instead of trying to embrace them. “The fact that you cared would come out in your attempts to organize events so athletes are treated the same,” Biles said. So instead, you’re just adding to the problem overall.
People are using social media at an explosive rate.
Biles’ opinion resulted in a huge debate on the internet.
Many people supported her for being so outspoken.
This shows true leadership skills. Thank you for being on Simone’s side and supporting her as well.
Someone else wrote, ”I did not think you could be respected any more, but you continue to impress and you still stay a class act 100% of the time! The Goat of Goats!”
Unfortunately, the public’s response was also very fierce.
This response shocks me and unfortunately leaves me very disappointed. […] People said you referred to Riley as a bully yet your comments are hurtful and rude to her.
Someone else mentioned, “It is sad to see this happening. On the other hand, making sure your negative actions discourage other females from participating after you leave will be very simple.
People in the group reacted more forcefully when it came to criticizing the result. According to several users, “In one moment, you are not a source of inspiration for little girls again,” and “It’s a shame what happened to you, Simone.” Very sad….”
Gaines gives an answer back – for the second time.
Gaines posted a lengthy message in response to all the criticisms on Instagram. Biles was accused by her of body shaming and saying something personal, referring to her decision to delete a tweet where Biles mentioned Strome.
“It is important to remind people that I do not open myself to competition from people with two X-chromosomes, so instead bullies should be men who want equality.”
According to Gaines, Biles herself faced criticism about her athletic shape before, so making fun of someone’s body seemed hypocritical to her.
People argue about what is important.
The main problem is not just a single tweet or exchange but the larger debate happening in the country about transgender people in women’s sports.
Gaines, who swam for the University of Kentucky and has been an All-American swimmer 12 times, is now involved in fighting for fairness and safety in women’s sports. In 2022, Riley’s activism increased when she won the NCAA Championships with Lia Thomas, as it made her realize how inclusion policies affect people’s beliefs.
Later on, Gaines shared her testimony in Congress, cooperated with legal advocacy teams, and found herself on the frontline of the Title IX issue. Many people who back her view her as someone who fights for women’s rights. People who are critical of her consider her a gatekeeper.
An ex-NFL player has criticized Simone Biles.
Before this situation, Simone Biles avoided most political debates. Many are surprised that she is now involved in this discussion, mainly those who thought of her as a neutral person to admire. However, some people think this shows leadership well: using their influence to advocate for those in need.
Many known personalities are now discussing what happened between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines, and it’s not clear everyone supports the gymnast.
Jay Feely made a statement in a tweet, saying Biles wouldn’t have obtained any Olympic medals if she had competed against transgender athletes. He went further to say that her policies on trans people in sports could put biological females in risky situations.
Gaines also got the backing of former NASCAR racer Danica Patrick. On social media, Samoura stated that Biles had been made to believe the wrong information, using the slang term “red pilled” for this example.
He spoke strongly: “Issues like this only last for a certain time.” In my view, people will think rationally in the end. However, I’m thankful to people such as Riley Gaines who make certain these situations are addressed and the proper actions are taken,” she posted on Instagram.
Lastly, it should be pointed out that she experienced the events herself. Choosing to favor men over women in sports is actually an issue that many can’t understand and may need help with. Regardless, this way of thinking is very illogical.
Whatever your opinion is, it’s obvious that this is not just happening on social media. The issue reflects a broader fight full of strong emotions about who we all are, what is fair, and the direction of sports.
Since Biles and Gaines are facing off in major events, people are still discussing their achievements.