Martina Navratilova, one of the greatest legends in tennis history, is making it clear: her stance on protecting fairness in women’s sports goes beyond political lines.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion recently weighed in on the latest clash between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines, after Biles appeared to criticize Gaines for her outspoken opposition to the inclusion of biological males in women’s and girls’ sports.
“Riley is MAGA and I couldn’t disagree with her more on politics,” Navratilova posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But on keeping sports safe and fair for girls and women I agree with her 100%. As most people, Republicans, Democrats and everything in between do also.”
Standing Up Regardless of Party
Martina Navratilova is no fan of Donald Trump, and her social media history makes that clear. But when it comes to the issue of biological males competing in female divisions, she believes the Democratic Party has dropped the ball.
“I hate that the Democrats totally failed women and girls on this very clear issue of women’s sports being for females only,” she posted in response to a Trump-era executive order barring male athletes from female sports.
Her criticism hasn’t softened. The House of Representatives passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act earlier this year, but with only two Democrats joining Republicans, Navratilova called out her party again.
“More Dems need to step up here. I know many who agree but are scared to speak up because of re-election. I say do the right thing. Grow a spine.”
Defending Fairness Over Partisanship
As debate around Biles and Gaines continues to dominate social media and sports talk shows, Navratilova is staying firm. For her, it’s not about ideology, it’s about preserving fairness for the next generation of female athletes.
Her comments highlight a growing number of voices across the political spectrum who are calling for women’s sports to be protected based on biological sex, not gender identity.
Do you think more athletes and lawmakers should speak out like Navratilova? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More: Top 15 Highest-Paid Female Athletes
