In a remarkable shift following their bitter public dispute over transgender inclusion in women's sport, Riley Gaines has expressed willingness to collaborate with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. The 25-year-old former swimmer-turned-activist told TMZ Sports: "Look, Simone is someone I've looked up to, I've respected for so long."
The conciliatory gesture comes despite their recent heated exchange, which saw harsh words traded between the two athletes over deeply divisive issues surrounding fairness and inclusion in women's athletics.
The public disagreement began earlier this month when Gaines criticised a transgender secondary school athlete.
Biles intervened, calling Gaines's comments "truly sick" and accusing her of bullying.
Riley Gaines has backtracked on her statements about Simone Biles
GettyGaines fired back, condemning what she viewed as Biles's harsh response and body-shaming.
The exchange highlighted the deep divisions in the debate over transgender athletes competing in women's categories.
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Despite the verbal sparring, Gaines's recent comments to TMZ Sports reveal a notable change in tone.
She acknowledged Biles's contributions, stating: "She has done so much for women's sports and even broader than that for women in general."
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Both athletes have taken shots at each other on social media
GETTYGaines also described how Biles's "stance felt so deeply visceral because of how she used her platform."
Despite the spat, Gaines sees potential for collaboration, insisting: "She would be a fantastic ally in this fight."
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For Gaines, the struggle centres on maintaining fairness whilst recognising biological differences in sport.
Meanwhile, Biles has expressed regret about the tone of their exchange, apologising for personal remarks and emphasising the need for empathy and respect in the dialogue.
Riley Gaines controversially tied with a trans athlete in 2022
GettyIf these two influential athletes can find common ground, it might inspire more productive discussions about transgender participation in sport.
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