Simone Biles recently found herself in a heated online exchange with Riley Gaines regarding transgender athlete participation in sports. Biles, known as the most decorated gymnast in history, initially criticized Gaines for misgendering a transgender high school softball player and called her a “sore loser” in a viral post. However, Biles later apologized, emphasizing the importance of empathy and respect in addressing complex issues like this. The apology followed a clash with Gaines, a former swimmer turned anti-trans activist, who accused Biles of being a sore loser and campaigned against transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Despite walking back the personal tone of her remarks, Biles stood by her belief that sports organizations should create rules that support inclusion while ensuring fair competition. However, her apology did not deter conservative media figures from attacking her, with Fox News and Outkick publishing multiple critical stories about the dispute. On a Fox News panel show, co-host Jesse Watters mocked Biles for apologizing, calling her “mentally weak” and likening her actions to Elon Musk’s backtracking on a feud.

Despite the backlash, many of Biles’s supporters commended her for defending a transgender minor against public attacks. Biles expressed a desire to move forward positively, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue in discussing the direction of sports. Ultimately, the exchange between Biles and Gaines highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athlete participation and the need for respectful discussion on this contentious issue.