This is the most balanced criticism of Biles I've read, and of course you'd handle it solidly.
"Wouldn’t you want someone to speak up and defend you? Someone like Riley? Better yet, someone like you?"
This. A lot of people, for understandable reasons, I think, have an issue with Riley Gaines as a spokesperson for women's sports. That's even more reason for Biles to speak out. She has credibility, gravitas, and can't be accused of not caring about women's sports.
Former college rower here - I lost my first indoor sprint by .04 seconds to a woman. Later that month we had friendly competition between my women's crew and the men's. That time I had the best women's time and lost by 7 full seconds. There is zero comparison between men and women.
Then for good measure, I've rowed with the guys, they needed a body - again, as the best women's rower on my crew, I could throw 800 pounds on the hip sled and was pure engine room strength - and there was absolutely no contribution *whatsoever* that I made by being in the boat. The feeling of trying to pull 2000 meters with a group of men is like being hit by a car. It isn't "I'm weak," it's "I'm not needed here at all, or playing the same sport."
Anyway. I think about that a lot. Thank you for standing up for female athletes.
I am sending this out to my friends . This is wonderful read that includes both fact and feminine pride. Title nine month is way more important than what is called pride month but is really gender ideology month! Celebrate Title IX!
The comments attributed to Simone on X don't seem to match the person I've observed to be Simone. Perhaps one of her media assistants attempted to speak for her, though completely out of character. I guess I just want to give Simone the benefit of the doubt because of the apparent inconsistency. Nevertheless, Kaeley's message in response to the post still stands!!! Men do not belong in women's sports!!!
Yes! You nailed it (as usual) and with balance and kindness. This whole transgender/sports/titleIX thing is so bizarre to me. I appreciate your takes and how you are so humane (and Christ-like) in your thoughts.
This is the most balanced criticism of Biles I've read, and of course you'd handle it solidly.
"Wouldn’t you want someone to speak up and defend you? Someone like Riley? Better yet, someone like you?"
This. A lot of people, for understandable reasons, I think, have an issue with Riley Gaines as a spokesperson for women's sports. That's even more reason for Biles to speak out. She has credibility, gravitas, and can't be accused of not caring about women's sports.
This brought me to tears!!! I thank you a million times over for putting into words what many of us are thinking. Thank you!
Former college rower here - I lost my first indoor sprint by .04 seconds to a woman. Later that month we had friendly competition between my women's crew and the men's. That time I had the best women's time and lost by 7 full seconds. There is zero comparison between men and women.
Then for good measure, I've rowed with the guys, they needed a body - again, as the best women's rower on my crew, I could throw 800 pounds on the hip sled and was pure engine room strength - and there was absolutely no contribution *whatsoever* that I made by being in the boat. The feeling of trying to pull 2000 meters with a group of men is like being hit by a car. It isn't "I'm weak," it's "I'm not needed here at all, or playing the same sport."
Anyway. I think about that a lot. Thank you for standing up for female athletes.
Spot on…but too kind to Simone…and as an athlete she is, as you said, a GOAT but as an intellectual…well.
Perfectly put
Great writing! Courage and truth! Thank you.
Well done. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and inspiring.
I am sending this out to my friends . This is wonderful read that includes both fact and feminine pride. Title nine month is way more important than what is called pride month but is really gender ideology month! Celebrate Title IX!
The comments attributed to Simone on X don't seem to match the person I've observed to be Simone. Perhaps one of her media assistants attempted to speak for her, though completely out of character. I guess I just want to give Simone the benefit of the doubt because of the apparent inconsistency. Nevertheless, Kaeley's message in response to the post still stands!!! Men do not belong in women's sports!!!
If my social media person had botched my name and reputation this badly, I would immediately fire him/her and publicly set the record straight.
I would have done the same, I hope!!! Too bad she didn't just apologize for her absurd reaction!
Yes! You nailed it (as usual) and with balance and kindness. This whole transgender/sports/titleIX thing is so bizarre to me. I appreciate your takes and how you are so humane (and Christ-like) in your thoughts.
Thank you!
Powerful!
Hear, hear.
What a great article, Kaeley - you hit it out of the park!
💯
Sometimes their perceived privileges overrule facts.