Danica Patrick responds to Simone Biles on transgender athletes in women’s sports, fueling tensions in an already heated national conversation. The former racing champion pushed back against Biles’ recent calls for greater inclusion in athletics, as the debate reignited online over the participation of transgender athletes in women’s competitions.
Patrick and Biles Clash Over Inclusion in Sports
The latest conflict began when Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer known for competing against Lia Thomas, criticized Champlin Park High School for allowing a transgender pitcher on its softball team. Gaines has been outspoken that transgender athletes should not participate in women’s events. Simone Biles, the celebrated 11-time Olympic medalist, took to social media to challenge Gaines, advocating for greater inclusion and support for the trans community in sports.
“All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser,”
—Simone Biles, 11-time Olympic medalist
“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!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around.”
—Simone Biles, 11-time Olympic medalist
Biles escalated the exchange with a pointed message directly to Gaines, stating,
“Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
—Simone Biles, 11-time Olympic medalist
Danica Patrick Stands by Gaines and Defends Women’s Sports
Danica Patrick entered the conversation the following day, making her position clear in support of Riley Gaines. Patrick, currently recognized for her media work in motorsports and recent involvement at the F1 Grand Prix of Canada, posted on social media to weigh in on the ongoing dispute.
“This issue has a shelf life. I truly believe common sense will prevail. But until then, I am grateful for people like @rileygbarker who are making sure no one gets away with it,”
—Danica Patrick, former racing driver and broadcaster
Patrick further criticized the defense of transgender women in female sports categories, linking it to broader cultural debates.
“Not to mention the fact that she actually lived it. Defending men in women’s sports is the woke mind virus and/or another issue that requires therapy. Either way, it is so irrational.”
—Danica Patrick, former racing driver and broadcaster
This response echoed Patrick’s previous statements, where she emphasized the biological advantages that she argues separate male and female athletes.
“I was a girl in a guy’s sport. There are some true hormonal physiological reasons why men should not compete in women’s sports,”
—Danica Patrick, former racing driver and broadcaster
“When it comes to strength, when it comes to power, size…those things are really different. When men have at least 10 times the testosterone that women do, which is something that helps build lean muscle mass and gives you size and mass and power, it’s totally unfair.”
—Danica Patrick, former racing driver and broadcaster
Public Reactions Highlight Ongoing Division
The fierce exchange between Patrick and Biles has only deepened the divide among sports fans, with supporters rallying on both sides of the issue. The conversation comes as debates over transgender participation continue across various levels of competition, drawing in prominent figures and shaping broader public opinion on what defines fairness and inclusion in athletics.
This recent clash taps into widespread unrest and agitation within the sporting world, bringing attention to the policies of major institutions like the NCAA and Olympic bodies. Key personalities such as Simone Biles, Riley Gaines, and Danica Patrick now stand at the forefront of a cultural crossroads, each representing mounting frustration and disappointment over how this matter is unfolding.
With the controversy far from resolved, many are watching to see whether sports organizations will adjust rules or whether further high-profile athletes will speak out. As voices like Biles and Patrick highlight growing tensions, the debate over transgender athletes in women’s competitions appears certain to remain a flashpoint in sports for the foreseeable future.
