It’s 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 Biles—yes, that Simone Biles—just weeks after their social media feud sent shockwaves through the world of women’s sports.
In an exclusive chat with TMZ Sports, the “Gaines for Girls” podcast host dropped the bombshell: she’s open to collaborating with Biles.
“Absolutely,” Gaines said when asked about a potential partnership.
“She’s someone I’ve looked up to and respected for so long.”
Wait—what?!
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????️ 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 women’s sports.
The comment triggered backlash from fans and athletes alike. But Biles eventually walked it back and issued a public apology, saying she didn’t 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.
“It wasn’t about the personal insult,” Gaines said. “It was more about how she used her platform in that moment—a platform that young girls like my little sister, who’s a gymnast, look up to.”
???? “She Pulled Up the Ladder”
In her interview, Gaines didn’t hold back on how disappointed she initially felt about Biles’ take.
“In the blink of an eye, she effectively pulled up the ladder behind her,” she said.
“I think her comments were made in haste and from a place of ignorance about the actual issue.”
But in true comeback fashion, Gaines says it’s not too late to flip the script—if Biles is open to it.
???? A Powerful New Duo in the Fight for Women’s Sports?
Despite their differences, Gaines still believes Biles could become a powerful ally in the fight to preserve biological women’s categories in sports.
“Her platform is still incredible. Her career has been illustrious, to say the least,” she said.
“We could do a lot together if she was willing.”
Whether or not Simone Biles is ready to take that step remains to be seen—but the idea alone has the internet buzzing.
???? TPR Take: Could This Be the Start of a Redemption Arc?
A collaboration between these two athletic powerhouses—each with massive influence and very different perspectives—would 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?
???? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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