Simone Biles Addresses Trans Athlete Debate at 2025 ESPYS
Simone Biles took center stage at the 2025 ESPYS, where her acceptance speech for Best Championship Performance included a nod to the heated discussions surrounding trans athletes in sports.
On July 16, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Biles, 28, began her moment by recognizing her fellow nominees. “That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,” she quipped, prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
In a competitive field that included MLB star Freddie Freeman, NBA icon Stephen Curry, and golfer Rory McIlroy, Biles emerged victorious, securing the coveted ESPY trophy.
Her comment resonated with recent exchanges she had with former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines regarding trans athletes. The controversy ignited when Gaines, 25, claimed that a Minnesota high school softball team’s state championship victory was due to their “star player is a boy.”
Biles responded sharply on social media, stating, “You’re truly sick, 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 OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!!”
She further criticized Gaines, asserting, “But instead… You bully them… One thing’s for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”
Since retiring from swimming at the University of Kentucky, Gaines has become a prominent advocate for excluding trans women from competitive sports. Her notable competition against Lia Thomas, the first openly trans woman champion in NCAA women’s history, has fueled her activism.
Following their viral exchange, Biles sought to mend fences. “I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,” she wrote on social media. “The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for.”
She added, “These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.”
Biles also received the award for Best Athlete – Women’s Sports at the event. Expressing her gratitude during her speech, she said, “The recognition means more than you guys know. I would like to thank the people that have stood with me on this journey — my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way. I wouldn’t be standing here without all of you.”
Concluding her remarks, Biles emphasized her belief in the transformative power of sports: “I believe in the power of sport, the power of us and, of course, the power of she.”
