It was a meet-up of Olympic champions at Lindsey Vonn’s big celebration this week. On Tuesday, July 15, the decorated ski racer celebrated 20 years as a Red Bull athlete at a special party — with several other winners in attendance.
Fellow Olympian Simone Biles was one of the many people who showed out to celebrate Von, and the two linked up for a special photo opp. Vonn is wearing a lowcut black top and matching leather shirt, completing the look with a gold chain. Meanwhile, the Olympic gymnast is wearing a leather dress, and a diamond necklace reading “Owens” — a special dedication to her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. In the photo, their height difference is quite noticeable, as Vonn is 5-foot-10, and Biles is 4-foot-8. Still, there was no method to measure the love Vonn surely felt that night. Also in attendance were former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart, skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, and more, as evidenced by a carousel shared to Vonn’s Instagram page.
The Comeback Queen Takes the Crown Again
Simone Biles has done it again. After defying expectations and silencing critics with a jaw-dropping all-around title in Paris, she’s just added another sparkling gem to her crown — the ESPY Award for Best Championship Performance. Let’s break down why this win isn’t just another trophy on her shelf — it’s a turning point, a headline, and a legacy move all in one.
Who Is Simone Biles? A Quick Refresher
The Gymnastics GOAT
Simone Biles isn’t just another athlete. She’s the most decorated gymnast of all time, racking up 30+ Olympic and World Championship medals. Her routines defy gravity — literally. She has multiple skills named after her, and she’s known for making the impossible look easy.
From Tokyo Setbacks to Paris Comeback
Remember the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021)? Simone pulled out of multiple events, citing mental health concerns. The world watched in shock — and support. Fast forward to Paris, and she’s not only back, she’s better than ever.
Why the ESPY Win Matters So Much
More Than Just a Trophy
The ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) recognize the best of the best. Winning “Best Championship Performance” isn’t about popularity — it’s about dominance. Simone won it for her stunning, all-around performance at the World Championships in Paris.
A Nod to Mental Resilience
This award wasn’t just for tumbling and sticking landings. It was a recognition of her grit, her growth, and her unapologetic message: you can take care of yourself and still be the best.
Breaking Down Her Performance in Paris
Four Events, One Champion
To win an all-around title, a gymnast has to dominate all four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Simone didn’t just compete — she owned them.
Vault – Power Personified
Simone’s Yurchenko double pike vault had jaws on the floor. It’s a move so dangerous that most gymnasts don’t even attempt it.
Uneven Bars – Her ‘Weakest’ Apparatus
Even here, where she’s traditionally been the most vulnerable, she posted a world-class score, proving she’s a complete athlete.
Balance Beam – Ice in Her Veins
Grace, poise, control. Her beam routine was a masterclass in focus.
Floor Exercise – The Finale Fireworks
Simone’s floor routine was a showstopper, packed with flips, twists, and that trademark Biles brilliance. She scored the highest, cementing her title.
The Message Behind the Medals
Advocating for Mental Health
Simone’s story isn’t just about medals — it’s about humanizing greatness. She brought mental health into the spotlight, reminding us that even elite athletes need care.
Redefining Strength
She flipped the script — literally. Strength isn’t just physical power, it’s the ability to step back, heal, and come back stronger.
Social Media Explodes With Reactions
Fans, Celebrities, and Fellow Athletes Cheer
From LeBron James to Michelle Obama, social feeds lit up with love for Simone. Hashtags like #SimoneBiles, #GOAT, and #ESPYAwards trended within minutes.
Viral Moments from the ESPYs Night
Simone’s acceptance speech was heartfelt, humble, and powerful. “This isn’t just for me,” she said. “It’s for every girl who ever felt like she wasn’t enough.”
ESPN’s Tribute Video Brought Everyone to Tears
Goosebumps, Anyone?
ESPN rolled out a tribute reel capturing her career highs and personal lows. It wasn’t just inspiring — it was cinematic. One fan tweeted, “I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying.”
Her Impact Beyond the Gym
Fashion Icon, Mental Health Advocate, Role Model
Simone’s ESPY win is one moment in a larger movement. She’s changing what it means to be an athlete in the 21st century.
Partnering With Mental Health Initiatives
She’s teamed up with organizations like Cerebral and Athletes for Hope to support mental wellness.
What’s Next for Simone?
All Eyes on the 2025 Gymnastics Season
Will she compete in the next Olympics? While she hasn’t confirmed it, this ESPY win signals she’s still hungry — and still leading.
Why This ESPY Win Will Be Remembered
Simone Biles didn’t just win for being technically superior. She won because she came back when many thought she wouldn’t, and she did it on her own terms.
This wasn’t just an athletic performance. It was a statement.
The Legacy of Simone Biles
Beyond Medals and Awards
Simone’s legacy is about being bold, honest, and human. She’s proof that vulnerability doesn’t weaken greatness — it defines it.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
She’s inspired a new wave of gymnasts, and more importantly, a generation of young women to believe they can be strong in every way that counts.
Conclusion: Simone’s ESPY Moment Is About All of Us
Simone Biles’ ESPY win isn’t just a pat on the back — it’s a cultural moment. It reminds us that even the greatest can stumble, heal, and come back stronger than ever. Whether you’re chasing medals or chasing dreams, Simone’s story is proof that resilience wins every time.
