Simone Biles Deactivates X Account After Controversial Feud Over Transgender Athletics

Simone Biles Withdraws from Social Media

Decorated Olympian gymnast Simone Biles, known for her extraordinary achievements in gymnastics, has recently deactivated her account on X (formerly Twitter) amid escalating tensions with former swimmer and women’s sports activist Riley Gaines. This public fallout stems from discussions surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in high school sports, notably highlighted by a recent game featuring a transgender softball player.

Background of the Controversy

Biles, 28, has remained active on other social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where she boasts an impressive 12.4 million followers. Her decision to step back from X has not gone unnoticed, with Gaines expressing her disappointment, stating, “It’s sad to see such a phenom go down like this.”

Timeline of Events

• Early June: Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender athlete, led Minnesota’s Champlin Park High School to a state championship by pitching a shutout.
• Gaines criticized Rothenberger’s victory, implying that the achievement was undeserved, which sparked a heated debate on social media.
• Biles responded to Gaines’ comments, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in sports and suggesting the creation of categories for transgender athletes.

Key Quotes from the Dispute

Biles fired back at Gaines, asserting:

“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…”

In a follow-up, she expressed her intentions to promote fair play:

“I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are essential in sport. The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles…"

Apologies and Backlash

Following the heated exchange, Biles issued a public apology to Gaines, recognizing that her comments were too personal. However, by that time, reputations had already taken a hit, with other notable figures in sports, such as Danica Patrick and former teammate MyKayla Skinner, weighing in. Skinner accused Biles of bullying.

The Aftermath: Why Did Biles Delete Her X Account?

The specifics behind Biles’ choice to delete her X account while maintaining other platforms remain unclear. However, her retreat could signify a desire to distance herself from the negativity surrounding this issue.

What’s Next for Simone Biles?

• Continuing Advocacy: Biles emphasized the importance of creating a future for sports that respects all athletes, regardless of gender identity.
• Social Media Focus: While Biles has taken a step back from X, she remains active on other platforms where she can continue to share her gymnastics journey and personal insights.

Conclusion

The exchange between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines is a reminder of the complexities surrounding transgender athletes in sports. As discussions evolve, the need for respectful dialogue and understanding within the community is more essential than ever. Biles’ move to deactivate her X account highlights the challenges faced by public figures navigating sensitive topics in the digital age.

For more details on the discussions surrounding trans athletes and the implications for women’s sports, visit NPR and ESPN.