Simone Biles calls anti-trans activist’s comments “sick”
Seven-time gold medallist Simone Biles - the most decorated gymnast in history - has called former US swimmer and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines "sick" over online comments made about a trans woman softball player.
Gaines, who has regularly spoken out about trans women athletes competing in women's sport, mocked Minnesota State High School League for removing comments on their post about the Chaplin Park girls' team, which includes a trans woman player, celebrating the State Championship.
"You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser," Biles wrote on X.
@Riley_Gaines_ You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. 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… https://t.co/pjpzuZ0AlO
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) June 6, 2025
Gaines tied for fifth place with trans swimmer Lia Thomas in the 200m freestyle swimming at the 2022 NCAA Championships.
Later that year, World Aquatics voted to stop trans women from competing in women's elite races if they have gone through any part of the process of male puberty.
Thomas has since failed with a legal challenge to change the rules.
"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," continued Biles.
"But instead... You bully them... One thing's for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around."
Biles, a seven-time gold medallist, has been an outspoken campaigner for mental health awareness throughout her career.
Gaines responded to Biles in follow-up posts, saying the gymnast's stance was "so disappointing" and saying she should not be advocating for trans women in women's sport with her platform.
