Simone Biles doesn’t need a vault to rise above the noise. Fresh off being hailed the most decorated gymnast of all time, the 28-year-old Olympic champion made headlines this week for something a little different: academia.Washington University in St. Louis awarded Biles an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during its 2025 commencement ceremony. Clad in a green doctoral robe, she addressed the graduates with a message that was both humble and powerful.
Simone Biles—the name alone speaks volumes. She’s not just a gymnastics legend; she’s a global icon, mental health advocate, and trailblazer. But when news broke that she received an honorary degree from the University of Houston, not everyone applauded. Critics came out of the woodwork, questioning whether she “deserved it.” Well, Simone responded. And she did it with the grace and poise we’ve come to expect—but with a little extra fire. Let’s break down the drama, the backlash, her epic clapback, and why her response matters more than you think.
Naturally, she brought the celebration online. “Call me Dr. Biles from now on,” she quipped in a TikTok video, flashing her trademark confidence. The post quickly picked up traction-along with criticism. While thousands of fans applauded thegymnast’s new title, not everyone was on board. Some social media users bristled at her use of “Dr.,” arguing that honorary degrees shouldn’t be equated with earned doctorates. One commenter wrote, “Can we stop with the honorary degrees already?” Another added, “You don’t deserve it unless it’s a PhD in gymnastics.” When applause meets backlash Some fans felt the honor was “disrespectful” to academic degrees-but Biles isn’t backing down.
Biles, never one to shy away from hard conversations, responded with clarity.”It’s literally just an honor, kind of like an award,” she commented. “It isn’t the same as an actual degree and we recognize that!” Her response was direct, informed, and true to the no-nonsense approach that’s defined her both on and off the mat. It’s not the first time an athlete has received such recognition. Oprah Winfrey, Dwyane Wade, and even Taylor Swift have all been honored in similar ways. Honorary degrees are symbolic gestures meant to acknowledge meaningful societal contributions-something Biles has made plenty of, from mental health advocacy to inspiring a generation of athletes.
Despite the backlash, support poured in across social platforms. ESPN’s First Take briefly addressed the debate, with Stephen A. Smith noting, “She’s not trying to be a medical doctor-she’s just being celebrated.” So, is Simone Biles a doctor? Not in the academic sense. But her impact? That’s undisputed. Simone Biles didn’t ask for the hate—but she sure knew how to handle it. Her honorary degree isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a symbol of everything she’s done to uplift, inspire, and advocate. She’s proof that greatness comes in many forms, not just academic ones. So the next time someone questions her worth, just point to her legacy. It speaks louder than any tweet ever could.
