'Simone is someone I've looked up to': Riley Gaines attempts to make amends with Simone Biles after their trans-athlete rift
In the emotionally charged world of elite sports, few clashes have stirred as much conversation as the public feud between Olympic gymnast
Simone Biles
and former swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines.
Centered on deeply sensitive debates over transgender inclusion in women's athletics, their exchange unfolded in searing public commentary—accusations of bullying, loss, and exclusion.
But in a surprising and unexpectedly gracious turn, Gaines has now expressed willingness to join forces with Biles—should the Olympic legend be open to it. Speaking to TMZ Sports, the 25-year-old remarked, 'Look, Simone is someone I've looked up to, I've respected for so long'.
With tension still evident, this gesture hints at potential unity. Could genuine dialogue and collaboration pave the way toward reforming how sports balance fairness and inclusivity? This moment marks a shift, offering humanity amid heated rhetoric—and perhaps a fresh path forward.
Riley Gaines softens down, shows readiness to collaborate with Simone Biles
An interview with Riley Gaines to talk Simone Biles drama, trans women in sports, more
The fiery public disagreement erupted earlier this month after Gaines criticized a transgender high-school athlete, prompting Biles to intervene—calling her comments 'truly sick' and accusing her of bullying.
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Gaines responded by denouncing what she perceived as Biles's harshness and body-shaming, but despite the verbal crossfire, recent remarks reveal a change of heart. In a candid interview with TMZ Sports, she stated: 'Absolutely … Simone is someone I've looked up to, I've respected for so long'.
She acknowledged Biles's significant contributions: 'She has done so much for women's sports … and even broader than that for women in general'.
Her newfound readiness to collaborate signals a possible turning point—transforming confrontation into conversation.
Despite their public rift, Gaines says she sees potential in channeling Biles's platform toward a shared cause. She described how Biles's 'stance felt so deeply visceral … because of how she used her platform'. Yet she still sees opportunity: 'She would be a fantastic ally in this fight'—the fight, in Gaines's view, for preserving fairness while acknowledging biological differences in sports.
On her part, Biles has expressed her own regrets about the tone of the exchange, apologizing for personal remarks and highlighting the need for empathy and respect in the dialogue.
This opening suggests that both women might be able to move beyond the clash — toward a place of constructive engagement.
In a culture that often rewards division over dialogue, Riley Gaines's gesture to collaborate with Simone Biles feels like a breath of fresh air.
It signals openness to bridge the gap between competing passions: competitive fairness and compassionate inclusion. While agreement on policies may remain elusive, the willingness to work together shows respect and maturity—two qualities sorely needed in today's discourse.
If these two influential voices can unite—even momentarily—it could inspire a more humane conversation around transgender athletes in sport. And in that moment of reconciliation, perhaps lies the key to reshaping how we champion both equality and empathy in athletics.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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