From Podium to Politics: How Riley Gaines Got on Simone Biles’s Radar
Simone Biles Takes Aim at Riley Gaines Online
Olympic champion Simone Biles ignited a firestorm when she publicly clapped back at conservative activist Riley Gaines, calling her a "sore loser" after Gaines misgendered a transgender high school athlete. The post sparked a viral online feud and drew widespread attention across social media.
Riley Gaines: From D1 Swimmer to Controversial Figure
Gaines once swam competitively at the University of Kentucky, earning respectable NCAA finishes but never reaching Olympic levels. After tying with Lia Thomas, the first openly trans NCAA champion, Gaines shifted her career toward political activism—using her platform to oppose trans women in sports.
The NCAA Tie That Changed Everything
In 2022, Gaines tied for fifth with Lia Thomas in a 200-yard freestyle event. Though not a medal-winning moment, it marked the turning point for Gaines. Her frustration over Thomas’s victory launched her into the conservative spotlight and became the basis of her activism.
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Gaines Builds a Brand on Anti-Trans Rhetoric
Since leaving competitive swimming, Gaines has appeared on Fox News, spoken before Congress, and joined campaigns to restrict trans women from competing in female sports. Critics argue she’s using fear and misinformation to advance her platform, while supporters call her a voice for fairness in women’s athletics.
Photo: @metgalaofficial_
Simone Biles at the met gala 2025
Biles Defends Trans Athletes and Calls Out Hypocrisy
Biles’s sharp response to Gaines wasn’t just personal—it was a statement of principle. As one of the most decorated athletes in history, Biles used her platform to condemn hate and support the inclusion of trans athletes, positioning herself against Gaines’s message of exclusion.
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A Culture War Played Out in the Arena of Sports
This feud reflects a broader cultural clash over gender, identity, and fairness in sports. With high-profile names like Biles and Gaines taking opposing sides, the debate is more visible—and polarizing—than ever. In the end, it’s not just about athletics; it’s about whose voices shape the future of competition.
