Itâs the team-up no one saw coming.
Riley Gaines, former NCAA swim star and vocal political activist, is extending an olive branch to none other than Simone Bilesâyes, that Simone Bilesâjust weeks after their social media feud sent shockwaves through the world of womenâs sports.
In an exclusive chat with TMZ Sports, the “Gaines for Girls” podcast host dropped the bombshell: sheâs open to collaborating with Biles.
âAbsolutely,â Gaines said when asked about a potential partnership.
âSheâs someone Iâve looked up to and respected for so long.â
Waitâwhat?!
đŞď¸ From Twitter Feud to Potential Allies
The drama kicked off earlier this month when Biles, the 7-time Olympic gold medalist, appeared to compare Gaines’ physical stature to a man’s during an online debate over transgender athletes in womenâs sports.
The comment triggered backlash from fans and athletes alike. But Biles eventually walked it back and issued a public apology, saying she didnât intend to body shame or disrespect anyone.
Still, Gaines said the comment hit hard, especially because of how much Biles means to young female athletes.
âIt wasnât about the personal insult,â Gaines said. âIt was more about how she used her platform in that momentâa platform that young girls like my little sister, whoâs a gymnast, look up to.â
đ âShe Pulled Up the Ladderâ
In her interview, Gaines didnât hold back on how disappointed she initially felt about Biles’ take.
âIn the blink of an eye, she effectively pulled up the ladder behind her,â she said.
âI think her comments were made in haste and from a place of ignorance about the actual issue.â
But in true comeback fashion, Gaines says itâs not too late to flip the scriptâif Biles is open to it.
đĽ A Powerful New Duo in the Fight for Womenâs Sports?
Despite their differences, Gaines still believes Biles could become a powerful ally in the fight to preserve biological womenâs categories in sports.
âHer platform is still incredible. Her career has been illustrious, to say the least,â she said.
âWe could do a lot together if she was willing.â
Whether or not Simone Biles is ready to take that step remains to be seenâbut the idea alone has the internet buzzing.
đŁ TPR Take: Could This Be the Start of a Redemption Arc?
A collaboration between these two athletic powerhousesâeach with massive influence and very different perspectivesâwould be huge for the cultural conversation around gender, fairness, and female representation in sports.
What do YOU think? Should Simone Biles link up with Riley Gaines to advocate for women in sports?
đŹ Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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