USA Gymnastics is reportedly reevaluating its transgender inclusion policies, just days after Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles faced backlash for attacking women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines. The USA Gymnastics transgender athlete review raises questions as the organization reacts to recent federal Title IX changes implemented by President Donald Trump.
Fox News revealed that USA Gymnastics quietly deleted its 2020 transgender inclusion policy, which had allowed biological males identifying as females to compete in women’s categories with minimal documentation. The governing body acknowledged the removal, stating, “In May, USAG removed its policy to assess compliance with the current legal landscape.”
This reevaluation follows President Trump’s newly enacted rules under Title IX, which prohibit male athletes from competing in female sports categories—a reversal of Biden-era policies.
Previously, USAG had scrapped requirements for transgender athletes to present medical proof of surgery or hormone treatment. The relaxed rules drew criticism from women’s sports advocates who argue such policies threaten fairness and safety in female competition.
The issue drew national attention last week after Simone Biles unleashed a personal attack on Riley Gaines via social media. Biles labeled Gaines “sick,” a “bully,” and a “sore loser” for her advocacy to keep men out of women’s sports. Biles also suggested creating a separate transgender category in all sports.
In a follow-up post, Biles doubled down, body-shaming Gaines by comparing her appearance to a man’s. The comments sparked outrage, particularly given Biles’ prominence as a champion of women’s gymnastics.
Facing public pressure, Biles issued a partial apology, stating she “should not have gotten personal.” Gaines graciously accepted the apology, while reaffirming her position: women’s sports must remain for women only.
USA Gymnastics now finds itself at the center of the growing national debate on gender and fairness in athletics. The move signals a potential shift toward restoring fairness in women’s gymnastics as public pressure mounts over male participation in female sports divisions.
