The conversation around transgender athletes in women’s sports has taken another sharp turn, and this time, motorsport icon Danica Patrick is jumping into the middle of it.
She’s throwing her support behind former college swimmer Riley Gaines, who’s been sparring online with Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles.
This clash, unfolding publicly on social media, has sparked intense reactions from fans, athletes, and political commentators alike.
And with Danica now adding her voice, things just got even louder.
Riley Gaines vs. Simone Biles: The Spark That Lit the Fuse
So how did this feud even start? It all began when Riley Gaines criticized a Minnesota high school softball player, who happens to be transgender, after a state championship win.
Gaines suggested the inclusion was unfair to cisgender girls, and that comment did not sit well with Biles.
Simone fired back online, accusing Gaines of being a “sore loser” still hung up on past competitions.
Biles passionately called for more inclusion and even floated the idea of creating a separate transgender category in sports to ensure fairness and safety for everyone.
Danica Patrick Takes a Side — And She’s Not Holding Back
Now, Danica Patrick, known for making waves both on and off the racetrack, has taken a firm stand on this issue.
On Instagram, she came out in full support of Gaines, even accusing Biles of being “red pilled” — a term often used to suggest someone has been misled by woke ideology.
Danica’s words were blunt:
“Defending men in women’s sports is the woke mind virus and/or another issue that requires therapy. Either way, it is so irrational.”
She praised Gaines for standing up for what she believes is common sense, and said she’s grateful for people like her who are speaking out while “living it” firsthand.
A Familiar Political Stance
Danica siding with Gaines shouldn’t come as a total surprise to anyone who’s followed her off-track.
She supported Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign and has been vocal about certain cultural issues online.
Gaines, too, has become a regular face in conservative media.
She now hosts the “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick and frequently appears on Fox News.
Her activism even earned her an invitation to the White House, where Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports” earlier this year.
Simone Biles’ Strong Response
Simone Biles, who rarely wades into political waters, wasn’t shy this time.
In a sharp tweet, she accused Gaines of bullying the trans community rather than finding ways to make sports safer and more inclusive.
Her initial comment included this mic-drop moment:
“Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them.”
She followed it up with a second jab aimed at Gaines, saying:
“Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
Since then, Biles hasn’t said more publicly — at least for now.
Experience vs. Opinion: Danica and the Gender Debate
It’s worth noting that Danica Patrick herself spent years competing in male-dominated sports — IndyCar and NASCAR — by choice.
That lived experience may shape how she views fairness and competition, and why she feels strongly about gender categories in sport.
Her stance adds another layer to this already complex debate.
But it also raises a question: does her experience racing against men equate to the kind of gender-based challenges that athletes like Gaines are highlighting?
What’s Next in This Ongoing Clash?
With all three women being high-profile voices in sports, this feud doesn’t seem to be dying down any time soon.
Riley Gaines appears committed to continuing her campaign, while Simone Biles’ fans are rallying behind her call for inclusivity.
As for Danica? She’s made her position clear — and with millions of followers watching, she’s helping to keep the issue at the top of the cultural conversation.