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In a passionate call to action, seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has publicly rebuked former competitive swimmer Riley Gaines over her continuous criticism of transgender athletes. The heated exchange ignited on Friday night after Gaines ridiculed the Minnesota State High School League for disabling comments on a celebratory post about Champlin Park High School's girls' softball team, which clinched the state championship with the help of a transgender player.

Gaines, referring to the transgender student-athlete as "a boy," accused the team of hijacking the championship and mocked the league's decision to turn off comments. The outspoken swimmer has been a vocal critic of transgender women in sports since her tied fifth-place finish with Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, at the 2022 NCAA championships. Gaines has campaigned against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports, becoming a notable figure in right-wing media circles.

Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time with 11 Olympic and 30 world championship medals, took to social media to denounce Gaines' remarks. In a rare instance of online confrontation, Biles called Gaines "sick" and a "sore loser," pointing to Gaines' loss to Thomas as a catalyst for her ongoing campaign. "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," Biles urged in her post.

Continuing her critique, Biles proposed the potential for a separate transgender category in all sports to foster inclusivity. She accused Gaines of bullying transgender athletes and concluded with a pointed remark, "Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male."

Gaines quickly responded, expressing disappointment with Biles' comments and reiterating her stance that "men don't belong in women's sports." Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer, has built her national campaign on her race with Thomas and has faced criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates for her repeated misgendering of transgender athletes and public singling out of individuals, often minors.

The conflict has sparked significant discussion online, with conservative commentators accusing Biles of hypocrisy and seeking attention, while her supporters applaud her for defending marginalized athletes and confronting what they see as Gaines' pattern of bullying.

The debate over transgender inclusion in sports continues to be a contentious issue, with voices on both sides advocating passionately for their perspectives. Biles' intervention highlights the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and respect in the athletic community, reflecting broader societal discussions about transgender rights and equality.