Simone Biles is unquestionably one of the most brilliant athletes of her time, having won multiple Olympic medals, including four golds, and 30 World Championship medals, 23 of which were gold.
What we should say is that Simone Biles is widely considered as the best gymnast of all time, and her legendary career has won the hearts of people all over the world.
In fact, she’s a hugely popular figure, and it was to the delight of the crowds when the petite phenomenon demonstrated her abilities once more this summer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
If you’re even vaguely aware of Biles’ troubles before, during, and after the past Olympics in Tokyo, the 27-year-old’s successful story is even more astounding.
It should be noted that, despite the gravity-defying flips, cat-like feats of balance, and all the fame and money that comes with being gifted with Biles’ skills, she is a human being, and as such, she is subject to the same struggles and tribulations as the rest of the world.
Which is why it is rather perplexing that individuals believe they have the right to ᴄʀɪᴛɪᴄɪᴢᴇ and remark adversely on photographs of her personal life. Look, I understand that freedom of expression implies that people can say whatever they want online without fear of repercussions, especially when it comes to public figures.
And yet, as society works to be more compassionate to others, I’m left wondering how and why certain people can’t stop belittling and pointing out others’ imperfections.
I should emphasize that I’m not talking about online people expressing disgusting things about Biles’ performances as a gymnast – though if you look hard enough, you’ll probably find that too, in spite of her obvious greatness.
No, I’m referring to specific comments written on photos from a photoshoot following her courthouse wedding to NFL player Jonathan Owens last year.
Biles and Owens met on a dating site during the COVID-19 epidemic, and by 2022, they had become engaged.
Over a year later, the new ‘IT’ couple finally got married, and it was a quiet affair with only the two of them and a judge in attendance. Biles and Owen revealed that they had planned a more lavish overseas wedding but decided to get married in the United States first.
As with most newlyweds, they were quick to share images from their big day; Biles allegedly wore a white tiered midi dress for $120 and shoes for $35, which she bought on sale.
While some people appreciated Biles’ wardrobe – the gymnast admits to ordering everything the week before, including her dress, shoes, wedding bands, and even her bouquet – others used the opportunity to attack her.
According to reports, now-deleted tweets from the time said that Biles’ hair was “unkempt” in the photographs, while others remarked she “should’ve laid the edges” and “could’ve at least gotten a lace in front.”
A dispute ensued between her supporters and detractors, with Biles finally chiming in.
Taking to Twitter, the great athlete wrote: “I think they also forget I live in HOUSTON TEXAS & I sweat those out!! Soon as we stepped outside for pics. But they can keep complaining idc idc idc.”
In May 2023, Biles and Owens exchanged vows in Cabo, Mexico, in front of 144 guests at their more elaborate vacation wedding.
I’m not sure about you, but I thought Biles looked stunning in her wedding photos! Share your opinions in the comments section.