Simone Biles, celebrated as the greatest gymnast of all time, made headlines again after her impressive performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Having won the all-around gold in women’s artistic gymnastics, Biles further solidified her legendary status in the sport. Her achievements, coupled with Team USA’s gold earlier in the week, positioned her as a standout figure in modern gymnastics, with expectations high for her in upcoming individual events.
Following her triumph, Biles took a pointed jab at former President Donald Trump. This came in response to a tweet by Ricky Davila, who linked Biles’s dominance in gymnastics to Trump’s controversial comments about migrants “taking Black jobs.” Biles responded by quote-tweeting Davila with a playful nod to her “black job,” subtly addressing the Trump remarks.
LeBron James, who has previously criticized Trump, joined the conversation by quote-tweeting Biles’s post with the phrase “Black [goat emoji].” This endorsement from James, often considered one of the greatest basketball players, showed solidarity with Biles’s stance. James has been vocal against Trump in the past, including calling him “U bum” in a 2017 tweet.
Biles’s actions at the Paris Olympics reflect her resilience and confidence after facing criticism for withdrawing from the 2021 Tokyo Games due to mental health challenges. Her response to detractors, including shading former teammate MyKayla Skinner, indicates her determination to enjoy her success on her terms and address issues that matter to her.
Biles’s recent achievements and public comments demonstrate not only her athletic prowess but also her willingness to engage in social and political discourse. Her interactions with figures like Trump and LeBron James illustrate her influence beyond gymnastics, highlighting her role as a prominent voice in contemporary issues.
