What did Simon biles say about men playing in women’s sports

Checked on September 20, 2025
Disclaimer: Factually can make mistakes. Please verify important information or breaking news. Learn more.

This fact-check may be outdated. Consider refreshing it to get the most current information.

Was this fact-check helpful?

1. Summary of the results

The original statement inquires about Simon Biles' comments on men playing in women's sports. However, upon reviewing the analyses, it appears that Simone Biles' statements were actually about transgender athletes in women's sports, not men playing in women's sports [1] [2]. Specifically, she criticized Riley Gaines for her comments on transgender athletes, calling her a 'sore loser' and suggesting she should be uplifting the trans community instead of bullying them [1]. Additionally, Simone Biles responded to Riley Gaines' post about a Minnesota girls high school baseball team with a trans player, saying Gaines should be working to make sports inclusive for trans athletes instead of mocking them [2]. Other sources discuss the participation of trans women in women's sports, citing examples of trans women competing in various sports and the regulations in place to ensure fairness [3], controversies involving trans athletes on college women's teams [4], and the NCAA's updated policy on transgender student-athlete participation [5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the distinction between transgender athletes and men playing in women's sports, which are often conflated but distinct issues [3] [6]. Alternative viewpoints on this issue include those of NBA star Jonathan Isaac, who believes men and women are different and that men do not belong in women's sports, but also acknowledges the humanity of the situation and the need to consider the feelings of all individuals involved [7]. Additionally, some sources argue that inclusion of trans athletes strengthens sports for everyone and that policies already exist to ensure fairness and safety for all athletes [8]. The original statement lacks this nuance and context, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issue. Furthermore, the analyses highlight the importance of considering the experiences of transgender athletes and the policies of various sports organizations [6], as well as the need for promoting trans inclusion in sports [8].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading or biased because it implies that Simon Biles made comments about men playing in women's sports, when in fact her comments were about transgender athletes in women's sports [1] [2]. This framing may benefit those who seek to conflate the issues of transgender athletes and men playing in women's sports, potentially to advance a particular agenda or ideology [4] [7]. On the other hand, sources that emphasize the importance of inclusion and fairness for trans athletes, such as the toolkit for promoting trans inclusion in sports, may benefit from a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the issue [8]. Ultimately, the original statement lacks the context and nuance necessary to accurately understand Simon Biles' comments and the broader issue of transgender athletes in women's sports [1] [3] [6].

Want to dive deeper?
What is Simone Biles' stance on trans athletes in women's gymnastics?
How do men's and women's athletic performance differences impact competition?
What are the current rules for trans athletes in women's sports in the US?
How do other female athletes feel about men competing in women's sports?
What role does the IOC play in regulating trans athletes in women's sports?