SIMONE BILES posted a cryptic message on Instagram following her feud with Riley Gaines.
The seven-time Olympic gold medal winner was involved in an online spat with the former swimmer over the participation of transgender people in women’s sports.
Simone Biles posted a cryptic message on Instagram[/caption]
Riley Gaines has responded after being “body shamed” by Biles[/caption]
Gaines has spoken out against their involvement after competing against trans athlete Lia Thomas in NCAA events.
And she recently slammed Minnesota high school’s softball team for letting a trans player represent them.
It led to Biles writing on X to Gaines: “‘Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
The gymnast’s comments landed herself in hot water for “body shaming” Gaines.
Biles then apologized and deactivated her X account.
Though she has now taken to Instagram to cryptically post on her story: “Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive.”
As well as the “bully someone your own size” tweet, Biles wrote online to Gaines: “You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser.
“You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive or creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports.
“Maybe a transgender category in all sports! But instead… you bully them… one things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!”
Gaines hit back in a lengthy video and claimed Biles “had sold out to appear to be virtuous”.
She added that it was “not any woman’s job” to ensure “that men’s feelings are validated and their identity affirmed”.
Gaines went on to claim that Biles should know better than to “body shame” given her involvement in body positivity campaigns.
Biles said in her apology: “These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.
“I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports.
“My objection is to be singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful.
“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’ apology was shared by her husband and NFL player Jonathan Owens.
