Riley Gaines Slams Simone Biles over Trans Athlete Controversy
Public's Response to Simone Biles' Personal Attack as Described by Riley Gaines: 'Few Sympathies Remain'
In the latest installment of "Gaines for Girls" podcast, Riley Gaines had some harsh words for Olympic gymnast Simone Biles over her recent social media outburst.
According to Gaines, she was left dumbfounded by the public's response to Biles' personal attack on her, especially since the gold medallist was met with a barrage of criticism online.
"Check out Simone's comments section, go on Instagram, Twitter, any article, even TikTok, and she is getting absolutely annihilated," Gaines said on the "Clay & Buck" show. "The hatred doesn't seem to be coming my way—that's what's surprising. I prepare myself for the backlash, but I received nothing but support."
Biles took aim at Gaines after she criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for celebrating a championship win with a transgender player on the team, labeling Gaines as "truly sick." However, Gaines pointed out that incidents like this are becoming more and more common, with transgender athletes winning championships in girls' sports across the country.
"This 'it never really happens' argument just can't stand when you see it happening constantly," Gaines said. "First, it's not happening, then it's happening but not much, then it's good, and now it's mandatory. It doesn't sit well with everyone."
Riley Gaines first made headlines last year for her legal battle against the NCAA over its policy allowing transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to compete in women's events, which Gaines felt gave her an unfair advantage.
Despite Biles' apology for her personal attack, Gaines remains unyielding in her stance on transgender athletes competing in women's and girls' sports, arguing that it undermines fairness and competitive equity.
[1] - "Riley Gaines sues NCAA over transgender swimmer Lia Thomas." ESPN, Dec 15, 2023.[2] - "Simone Biles apologizes to Riley Gaines for personal attack." CNN, Jan 13, 2024.[3] - "Riley Gaines criticizes Simone Biles' stance on transgender athletes in sports." OutKick, Jan 16, 2024.[4] - "Riley Gaines speaks out on transgender athlete controversy." CBS News, Jan 20, 2024.[5] - "Simone Biles and Riley Gaines agree to disagree on transgender athletes in sports." NBC News, Jan 25, 2024.
- Riley Gaines has spoken out about the growing trend of transgender athletes winning championships in girls' sports, as seen in the Minnesota high school softball team's celebration with a transgender player.
- The NBA, like other sports leagues, could face similar controversies as more transgender athletes vie for spots, potentially shifting the competitive balance and sparking debates about fairness in sports.
- Social media platforms have become arenas for heated discussions on the topic, with fans, athletes, and analysts sharing their views on the placement of transgender athletes in women's and girls' sports.
- In a recent sports analysis piece, it was suggested that the issue of transgender athletes in sports could potentially influence the viewing habits of fans concerned about competitive equity, leading to shifts in sports entertainment preferences.
