Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has faced numerous challenges both inside and outside the gym. Renowned not only for her extraordinary athletic prowess but also for her unwavering stand against injustice, Biles has become a powerful voice in the fight against racism and unfair criticism.

FULL VIDEO:

One of the most notable incidents of racial discrimination that Biles condemned occurred in 2023 during a gymnastics awards ceremony in Dublin, Ireland. A young Black gymnast was shockingly excluded from the medal presentation, a blatant act of racism that was captured on video and went viral. Biles did not hesitate to speak out, using her platform to highlight the issue and offer support to the young athlete. Her response, which included a personal video message to the gymnast, was praised worldwide and underscored her commitment to confronting racism in all forms.

The Paris Olympics saw Biles embroiled in a public feud with her former teammate, Michaela Skinner. The controversy began when Skinner criticized the current U.S. gymnastics team in a YouTube video, questioning their talent and work ethic. Biles, known for her leadership and resilience, responded in her own way—by celebrating the team’s gold medal victory on Instagram, subtly addressing Skinner’s comments. This post not only showcased Biles’ pride in her team but also served as a powerful statement against the negativity.

The tension between Biles and Skinner escalated on social media when Skinner blocked Biles, adding fuel to the fire. Despite the drama, Biles and her teammates, including Jordan Chiles and Sunisa Lee, used the criticism as motivation, rallying around the motto “FAO” (which stands for “F around and find out”). Their collective strength and unity were evident as they continued to excel, turning the public spat into a demonstration of resilience and solidarity.

Biles’ personal life also came under scrutiny when her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, revealed during an appearance on the Pivot podcast that he didn’t know who Biles was when they first met. This admission sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with some questioning the validity of their relationship. However, Biles stood by her husband, addressing the situation candidly in an interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. She clarified that the public’s reaction, rather than Owens’ comment, was what hurt her the most, but emphasized that his words were not meant to diminish her value. Instead, they reflected his own self-awareness, a sentiment she deeply respects.

Throughout her career, Biles has consistently faced public criticism with grace, particularly when it comes to her appearance. Despite her unparalleled achievements, some individuals have focused on superficial aspects, such as her hairstyle, rather than her athletic accomplishments. Biles has addressed these criticisms head-on, reminding her detractors that the emphasis should be on her achievements, not her appearance. Her responses have been a powerful reminder of the resilience required to excel at the highest levels, both in sports and in life.

Simone Biles’ journey is a testament to her strength, not just as an athlete, but as a person committed to fairness, equality, and standing up against injustice. Whether she is confronting racism, handling criticism, or navigating personal challenges, Biles continues to inspire millions with her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to what is right. As she adds more achievements to her already illustrious career, Biles remains a beacon of hope and a champion for change, both in and out of the gym.