Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines criticized USA Today columnist Nancy Armour for defending Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who had called Gaines a 'bully' for her stance against transgender women competing in women's sports. Armour claimed no scientific evidence supports a physical advantage for transgender women, a point Gaines vehemently refuted. The feud began when Biles attacked Gaines for her criticism of a transgender high school softball player's state championship win.
Riley Gaines fires back at sports columnist who defended Simone Biles
Simone-bilesSportsOlympics
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines criticized USA Today columnist Nancy Armour for defending Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who had called Gaines a 'bully' for her stance against transgender women competing in women's sports. Armour claimed no scientific evidence supports a physical advantage for transgender women, a point Gaines vehemently refuted. The feud began when Biles attacked Gaines for her criticism of a transgender high school softball player's state championship win.
Trending- 1 Over the weekend (June 7-8, 2025): Simone Biles posts on X, attacking Riley Gaines for her stance on a transgender high school softball player.
- 2 Over the weekend (June 7-8, 2025): Nancy Armour publishes a column in USA Today defending Biles and criticizing Gaines.
- 3 Monday (June 9, 2025): Riley Gaines responds to Armour's column on her 'Gaines for Girls' podcast.
- 4 2028: Simone Biles mentioned in context of potential future Olympic competition.
- Public dispute between prominent figures (athletes, journalists) on a highly contentious social and sports issue
- Further polarization of the debate on transgender inclusion in sports
What: Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer, publicly criticized USA Today columnist Nancy Armour for defending Simone Biles, who had labeled Gaines a 'bully' for her advocacy against transgender women competing in women's sports. Gaines specifically refuted Armour's claim that there is no scientific evidence of a physical advantage for transgender women athletes.
When: Monday (June 9, 2025) - Gaines's podcast comments. The feud sparked 'over the weekend.'
Where: Not explicitly stated for Gaines's podcast, but the context is U.S. sports and media.
Why: The conflict arose from Simone Biles's public attack on Riley Gaines via X (formerly Twitter) after Gaines criticized a transgender high school softball player's state championship win. Nancy Armour then defended Biles and her stance, prompting Gaines's strong rebuttal.
How: Riley Gaines responded to Nancy Armour's column on her OutKick’s 'Gaines for Girls' podcast. Simone Biles initiated the public dispute by posting on X.