Sports columnist faces backlash over Simone Biles defense after Riley Gaines attack

Armour painted Biles as a champion for the transgender community as the American gymnast called Gaines a "bully" for her fight to protect women's and girls' sports. The columnist also claimed, "There is no scientific evidence that transgender women athletes have a physical advantage over cisgender women athletes" while hitting out at Gaines.

There was no mention of how most Americans feel about transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports. An AP-NORC poll found that seven in 10 U.S. adults think transgender athletes should be barred from girls' and women's sports.

Still, Armour implored readers to be more like Biles than Gaines.

The backlash toward the column was strong. Gaines was among those who reacted.

"This is so disappointing. My take is the least controversial take on the planet," Gaines wrote in response to Biles' post. "Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls' dreams? Didn't have that on my bingo card.

"Maybe she could compete in pommel horse and rings in 2028."