Simone Biles Apologizes to Riley Gaines Amid Heated Debate Over Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

Simone Biles is backpedaling after catching flak for throwing shade at Riley Gaines – but the tension isn’t over.

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The Olympic champion issued a public apology this week for what she now calls “personal and harmful” comments against the former NCAA swimmer, revealing that emotions got the best of her in the heat of a complex conversation.

Biles clarified her stance, stressing the need for empathy and fairness. She said:

“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.”

Gaines, a vocal critic of trans inclusion in women’s sports, accepted the apology but didn’t bite her tongue. She doubled down, saying women’s sports shouldn’t be used to validate men and boys. She quipped:

“Women’s sports can’t be used as an excuse for girl’s to center the feelings and validation of men and boys.”

She also called on Biles to stand stronger for fairness in female athletics.

One thing is clear: while the tone may have shifted, the clash over fairness and inclusion in women’s sports is far from settled.