Simone Biles: More Than a Gymnast—A Beacon of Resilience and Justice

Simone Biles is renowned not only for her extraordinary talent in gymnastics but also for her unwavering stance against disrespect and injustice. Throughout her career, Biles has confronted her critics head-on, using her platform to advocate for herself and others.

Here are five significant moments where Biles responded firmly to criticism and prejudice, showcasing her strength beyond the gymnastics floor.

During the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles found herself in a public feud with her former teammate, MyKayla Skinner. The tension began when Skinner criticized the U.S. gymnastics team in a YouTube video, claiming they lacked talent and work ethic.

Biles, known for her impressive achievements, responded subtly yet powerfully by celebrating the team’s gold medal win on Instagram, with a caption that seemed to mock Skinner’s remarks: “Lack of talent? Lazy Olympic champions.” Skinner later attempted to clarify her statement, saying she didn’t intend to offend, but the damage was done.

The conflict escalated when Skinner blocked Biles on social media, leading Biles and other gymnasts, including Jordan Chiles and Sunisa Lee, to use the controversy as motivation.

The feud attracted widespread attention, with strong support for Biles from fellow gymnasts and commentators like Aly Raisman and Kathy Johnson Clarke, who condemned Skinner’s comments. This incident highlighted the unity and resilience of Biles and her teammates as they turned negative criticism into fuel for their success.

In 2023, Simone Biles spoke out against a heartbreaking incident of racism at a gymnastics award ceremony in Dublin, Ireland. A young Black gymnast was overlooked during the medal presentation, while all her white peers received their awards.

Biles condemned the act, expressing her heartbreak and emphasizing that racism has no place in sports or any part of life. She sent a personal video message to the young gymnast, offering support and comfort.

The incident, captured in a viral video, sparked global outrage, with many praising Biles for her compassionate response. Her actions earned her the title of an “internet big sister,” showing her deep commitment to fairness and equality. This incident is a testament to Biles’s character and her determination to stand up against injustice.

In August 2023, Simone Biles defended her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, after he faced backlash for a comment he made on “The Pivot” podcast. Owens mentioned that he didn’t know who Biles was when they first met on the dating app Raya, which sparked criticism on social media, with some suggesting Biles should leave him.

Biles, however, stood by her husband, explaining that it wasn’t Owens’s comment that hurt her, but the intense negative reaction from the public. She emphasized that Owens never implied she wasn’t valuable, but rather acknowledged his own self-worth, which she respects.

Their relationship emerged stronger from the ordeal, with Owens continuing to support Biles in her gymnastics career. This incident highlighted their mutual respect and dedication, reinforcing the strength of their bond.

Despite her historic achievements, Simone Biles has faced superficial criticism, particularly about her hair. After becoming the first honorary Texans cheerleader, Biles shared her excitement on Instagram, only to be met with negative comments about her appearance.

One user remarked, “Baby your hair, you need some Black friends.” Biles responded on Twitter, asking, “Do you look perfect all the time? Everything in perfect order?” Her fans quickly rallied to her defense, praising her resilience. This wasn’t the first time Biles faced such scrutiny; she also received criticism about her hair after her wedding to Jonathan Owens.

Biles responded by highlighting the practical challenges of maintaining perfect hair in the Houston heat, asserting that she is unbothered by the criticism. Her graceful handling of negativity underscores her inner strength and her focus on what truly matters—her remarkable achievements in gymnastics.

In 2021, Simone Biles made headlines when she testified against Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor convicted of sexually abusing over 150 female gymnasts. Biles’s testimony was a pivotal moment in holding accountable those who failed to protect young athletes.

Along with fellow gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, and Maggie Nichols, Biles recounted her trauma and condemned the institutions that allowed Nassar’s abuse to continue unchecked for years. Biles expressed her frustration and anger, stating, “We have been failed, and we deserve answers.”

Her powerful words highlighted the systemic failures within USA Gymnastics, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and the FBI. Biles’s bravery in testifying, while still training at the highest level, was remarkable and sent a strong message to perpetrators of abuse worldwide.

Simone Biles is not just an extraordinary gymnast; she is a strong and inspiring individual who stands up against unfair treatment, whether it’s from former teammates, online trolls, or systemic failures.

Her actions show that she values respect, equality, and support for others. Biles’s strength goes beyond her physical abilities—it’s also in her character and her willingness to speak out, making her a true role model for people everywhere.