Studying Time: 4 minutes
Simone Biles posted a strong takedown of Riley Gaines.
It’s exceptional to see maybe essentially the most proficient athlete on the planet righteously dunk on somebody whose declare to fame is tying for fifth place in swimming, flouncing on athletics, and changing into an anti-trans speaking head.
As is at all times the case with these types, Gaines was focusing on essentially the most weak — a transgender teenage lady.
And, as can be at all times the case, it was refreshing to see somebody kinder and higher completely destroy bigotry when it rears its ugly head.
Simone Biles attends Netflix’s “Simone Biles Rising” FYC occasion at Hollywood Athletic Membership on June 02, 2025. (Picture Credit score: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Pictures)
It began with a softball recreation
It began when the Minnesota State Excessive Faculty League shared a social media publish concerning the first softball state championship victory.
“Meet Champlin Park, the Class AAAA Softball State Champion for 2025,” the league tweeted.
One of the notorious anti-trans “influencers,” whom many have characterised as a grifter and albeit as a sore loser, determined to lash out on the league — and misgender one of many ladies within the publish.
Simone Biles attends the 2025 TIME100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Middle on April 24, 2025. (Picture Credit score: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Pictures for TIME)
“Comments off,” Riley Gaines mocked. “To be expected when your star player is a boy,” she then wrongly alleged.
Gaines was focusing on the group’s transgender pitcher, who reportedly threw what is called a “shutout” that prevented the opposing group from, as we perceive it, finishing a full run across the varied bases.
The pitcher in query shouldn’t be “a boy” as Gaines falsely claimed. She can be a highschool athlete.
The thought of an grownup making an attempt to launch a focused harassment marketing campaign in opposition to a excessive schooler ought to be extra stunning than it’s — however Gaines and others of her ilk have made this all too commonplace.
On social media, Simone Biles referred to as out Riley Gaines in a strong takedown. (Picture Credit score: Twitter)
Simone Biles swooped in to place Riley Gaines in her place
Like many people, Simone Biles discovered the bigoted publish focusing on a transgender highschool lady to be nothing wanting repulsive.
“You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race,” Simone identified precisely whereas quote-tweeting Gaines.
In 2022, Riley Gaines tied for fifth-place with Lia Thomas, a trans lady.
Although there isn’t any conceivable means {that a} lady tying together with her for fifth place highlights some type of “injustice” within the swimming world, Gaines retired from dropping swimming competitions and pivoted to what she has now develop into.
Simone Biles attends Kentucky Derby 151 at Churchill Downs on Could 03, 2025. (Picture Credit score: Jeff Schear/Getty Pictures for Churchill Downs)
“Straight up sore loser,” Simone Biles, maybe essentially the most proficient athlete on the planet, characterised of Riley Gaines.
“You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive,” she prompt, “OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!!”
Simone lamented: “But instead … You bully them … One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”
Although Simone Biles had no trigger to apologize, she did provide an especially diplomatic follow-up after demolishing a transphobic troll. (Picture Credit score: Twitter)
Simone Biles supplied an indication of respect, however what good is that when her opponent has none?
On Tuesday, June 10, Simone Biles posted a follow-up message, one which supplied Riley Gaines extra consideration than she arguably deserves. (Significantly, you possibly can watch the video under for more information on why)
“I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,” she started.
“The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles,” Simone continued.
“Which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for.”
“These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to,” Simone acknowledged. “But I believe it starts with empathy and respect.”
She highlighted: “I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports. My objection is to be singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful.”
Simone affirmed: “Particular person athletes — particularly youngsters — ought to by no means be the main target of criticism of a flawed system they don’t have any management over. I consider sports activities organizations have a accountability to give you guidelines supporting inclusion whereas sustaining truthful competitors.
“We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful.”
