Simone Biles apologizes to Riley Gaines, argues for ‘competitive equity and inclusivity’ in women’s sports
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Simone Biles apologizes to Riley Gaines, argues for ‘competitive equity and inclusivity’ in women’s sports
Gymnast Simone Biles apologized for not showing “empathy and respect” in a tweet. Biles said she believed “competitive equity and inclusivity” are essential in sport. She said she did not want to advocate for policies that “compromise fairness in women’s sports” Biles and Gaines engaged in a verbal back-and-forth on X on Friday after Gaines attacked Minnesota’s high school interscholastic governing body for allowing a transgender girl to compete in the girl’s state softball tournament. The former swimmer at the University of Kentucky became a public figure in 2022 when she argued against the inclusion of transgender women participating in women’s sports.
In her post, Biles said she believed “competitive equity and inclusivity” are essential in sport. She said she did not want to advocate for policies that “compromise fairness in women’s sports.” Biles added that she took issue with Gaines singling out a child in her post.
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Biles ended her post by saying:
“Individual athletes — especially kids — should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition. We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful.”
Biles and Gaines engaged in a verbal back-and-forth on X on Friday after Gaines attacked Minnesota’s high school interscholastic governing body for allowing a transgender girl to compete in the girl’s state softball tournament. Champlin Park, with the transgender girl on the mound, won the state 4A championship 6-0. Biles responded to that tweet, calling Gaines a “sore loser” and a “bully.”
Gaines — a former swimmer at the University of Kentucky — became a public figure in 2022, when she argued against the inclusion of transgender women participating in women’s sports after she tied for fifth with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at a meet.
Gaines has continued to lobby for that cause, and appeared in a video on the United States Department of Health and Human Services website in February which argued against allowing transgender women to participate in women’s sports.
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Gaines responded to Biles’ post Friday, calling it “disappointing.” Over the weekend, Gaines tweeted or shared at least 15 tweets mentioning Biles.
Shortly after Biles’ post, Gaines responded to Biles’ post.
“I accept Simone’s apology for the personal attacks including the ones where she body-shamed me. I know she knows what this feels like. She’s still the greatest female gymnast of all time.
“A couple of things. Sports ARE inclusive by nature. Anyone can and everyone SHOULD play sports. Competition, on the other hand and by definition, is exclusive. So the idea of “competitive equity” is nonsensical.
“Secondly, the boys are publicly humiliating the girls. To suggest that women and girls must be silent or ignore a boy who is PUBLICLY hurting or humiliating them is wrong. You can’t have any empathy and compassion for the girls if you’re ignoring when young men are harming or abusing them. I am not ashamed to be a voice for the voiceless.
“Lastly, I agree with you that the blame is on the lawmakers and leaders at the top. Precisely why I’m suing the NCAA and support candidates who vow to stand with women. That’s why I joined @realDonaldTrump at the signing of his Executive Order. I didn’t see you there or championing this effort with your platform.
“Women’s sports can’t be used as an excuse for girl’s to center the feelings and validation of men and boys.