Simone Biles recently addressed some online criticism about her appearance during a high-pressure moment. On July 30, the eight-time Olympic medalist was preparing for the all-around team final in Paris, where she and her teammates aimed to secure another gold medal for the USA.
Amidst the heat and lack of air conditioning on the team bus, Biles took to Instagram to defend her appearance. She posted a video showing her using a mini fan to stay cool and firmly told critics not to comment on Black women’s hair.
Despite the online fuss about her hair, Biles and her team, which included Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Suni Lee, focused on their competition. Their dedication paid off as they won the gold medal once again, underscoring their status as top gymnasts. Hezly Rivera also played a supportive role from the sidelines, emphasizing the team’s strong and cohesive performance.
In her celebratory Instagram post following the victory, Biles took a direct shot at former teammate MyKayla Skinner. Skinner had previously criticized the current team’s work ethic and talent in a now-deleted video. Biles responded with a caption on her gold medal photo that read, “Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions,” making it clear that her message was aimed at Skinner’s disparaging comments.
The response from Biles received enthusiastic support from her peers. Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney commented on the post, praising Biles’ clapback and humorously referencing Skinner’s criticism. Suni Lee and Jordan Chiles also joined in, acknowledging the pointed nature of Biles’ caption and celebrating her decisive comeback.
Overall, Biles’ handling of both the online hair criticism and the former teammate’s disparaging remarks highlights her ability to maintain focus and composure under pressure. Her gold medal win and sharp responses reaffirm her position as a leading figure in gymnastics, with strong backing from her teammates and fellow athletes.
