MyKayla Skinner Stands by Riley Gaines in Simone Biles Trans Athlete Controversy
Retired Olympic gymnast MyKayla Skinner has spoken out regarding the ongoing conflict between her former teammate Simone Biles and Riley Gaines, particularly concerning the contentious issue of transgender athletes in sports.
“As an athlete with years of dedication to this sport, I believe that genuine competition should uplift each other rather than undermine anyone,” Skinner, 28, stated in a Friday, June 13, statement to the far-right media outlet One America News. “It is truly concerning to witness @Simone_Biles publicly label another female athlete as a ‘sore loser’ merely for voicing legitimate worries about fairness in women’s sports.”
She continued, “I applaud @Riley_Gaines_ for her bravery in speaking out. Women like her advocate not just for fairness, but for the future of women’s athletics. She deserves support rather than mockery.”
Biles, 28, had previously condemned Gaines, 25, a conservative political activist and commentator, earlier this month for making transphobic remarks. Gaines, a former swimmer, shared a post on X from the Minnesota State High School League regarding their softball tournament win.
“Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy,” Gaines wrote on June 6, alluding to a female trans athlete.
Biles responded by criticizing Gaines for allegedly misrepresenting the athlete.
“@Riley_Gaines_ You’re honestly sick; all this campaigning stems from your loss in a race. Straight-up sore loser,” Biles commented later that day. “You should be advocating for the trans community and maybe exploring ways to make sports inclusive, or creating a new space where trans individuals feel safe in sports. Perhaps a transgender category IN ALL sports!!”
She continued, “But instead … you resort to bullying … One thing’s for sure, no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”
Gaines, in her reply, expressed disappointment over the gold medalist’s remarks.
“It’s not my place, nor any woman’s, to find ways to include men in our spaces,” Gaines countered. “You can elevate men who are taking championships in women’s sports using YOUR platform. Men do not belong in women’s sports, and I assert this with full conviction.”
Biles, a committed ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, later apologized to Gaines for making it personal.
“I have always believed that competitive equity and inclusivity are both vital in sports,” Biles wrote on X on Tuesday, June 10. “The existing system does not sufficiently balance these essential principles, leading to frustration and heated exchanges. It was not appropriate for me to take it personally with Riley, and I apologize for that.”
Meanwhile, Skinner feels that Biles has used her social media platform to “bully and belittle” Gaines for holding a differing viewpoint.
“Disagreement is one thing; using your platform to bully and demean is another,” Skinner stated in her remarks. “No one should face repercussions for advocating for fairness and biological truths. We ought to elevate each other, not tear one another down for expressing difficult realities.”
She also claimed that Biles had similarly bullied her during their time competing together.
“Throughout my career, I faced belittlement, dismissal, and exclusion from Simone,” Skinner alleged. “The pressure to remain silent was overwhelming. I chose to stay quiet out of respect—for the sport, for my teammates, and for the concept of unity among athletes. However, witnessing such public shaming, especially from someone in a position of influence, makes silence no longer acceptable.”
Biles has not publicly responded to Skinner’s allegations. Us Weekly has reached out for a comment.
