Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has recently become a prominent voice in the ongoing debate about transgender athletes’ participation in sports. Her comments, sparked by a public exchange with conservative activist and former swimmer Riley Gaines, have highlighted the complexity and sensitivity of the issue. Here’s a comprehensive overview of Biles’ stance, her recent statements, and the broader context.
What Biles Says About Equity and Inclusivity
Biles has emphasized that she sees both competitive equity and inclusivity as essential in sports. She has repeatedly stated that the current system does not adequately balance these principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges among athletes, advocates, and the public. Biles believes that sports organizations bear the responsibility to create rules that support inclusion while maintaining fair competition. “I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,” Biles wrote. “The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges…”
Biles has called for empathy and respect as the foundation for any discussion about transgender athletes. She acknowledges the sensitivity and complexity of the issue, admitting that she does not have all the answers or solutions. Instead, she urges that conversations begin with understanding and respect for all individuals involved. “But I believe it starts with empathy and respect,” Biles continued.
One of Biles’ strongest objections is to the public singling out of individual transgender athletes, especially children, for scrutiny and criticism. She argues that individual athletes—particularly minors—should never be the focus of criticism for a system over which they have no control. “My objection is to be singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful. Individual athletes—especially kids—should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over.”
Biles has clarified that she is not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports. She is aware of the concerns raised by those who argue for sex-based divisions in athletics and has expressed that her support for inclusion should not be interpreted as a disregard for competitive fairness. When asked, she said, “I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports.”
The Riley Gaines Exchange
The recent controversy began when Biles responded to Riley Gaines’ campaign against transgender athletes in women’s sports. Biles criticized Gaines for what she saw as bullying behavior and suggested that, instead of targeting trans athletes, advocates should focus on creating inclusive solutions—such as a possible transgender category in sports.
“You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them…”
After facing backlash for the personal tone of her comments, Biles issued a public apology to Gaines, stating that it was wrong to make the debate personal and reiterating her commitment to respectful dialogue.
Of course sports media were all over the story, garnering national attention. Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back.
What prompted Biles to publicly apologize to Riley Gaines
Simone Biles publicly apologized to Riley Gaines after making personal and body-shaming remarks during a heated social media exchange about transgender athletes in women’s sports. The dispute began when Gaines criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for including a transgender pitcher, referring to the player as a “boy.” Biles responded forcefully, calling Gaines “truly sick” and suggesting she “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male”—comments widely interpreted as personal attacks and body-shaming.
Following several days of backlash and intense online debate, Biles issued a public apology, acknowledging that her frustration with the broader issue led her to get personal with Gaines, which she recognized as unhelpful and inappropriate. In her apology, Biles reaffirmed her belief in both competitive equity and inclusivity in sports, clarified that she was not advocating for unfairness in women’s sports, and emphasized that individual athletes—especially children—should not be singled out for criticism over systemic issues. Gaines accepted the apology, noting the personal nature of Biles’ previous comments and welcoming a return to a more respectful debate.
Public and Media Reaction
Biles’ statements have received mixed reactions. Supporters have praised her for standing up for marginalized communities and for her willingness to engage in difficult conversations. Critics, including Gaines, have accused her of betraying female athletes and diminishing the importance of sex-based categories in sports.
Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Solutions
Simone Biles’ position reflects the tension at the heart of the transgender athlete debate: the need to balance fairness in competition with the imperative to include and respect all athletes. She advocates for sports organizations to develop thoughtful, balanced policies and urges that the conversation be guided by empathy, respect, and a refusal to target individual athletes for systemic issues.
Biles’ approach underscores the importance of dialogue and understanding in navigating one of the most challenging questions facing modern athletics.
