Great athletes are often associated with others who have also consistently achieved success in their respective sports. Staying at the top is no easy feat-it requires enormous physical and mental sacrifice. That’s why being one of the most decorated athletes can sometimes bring envy and resentment, but more often, it earns the recognition and respect of peers.
Young athletes tend to pay tribute to established stars-those who have accomplished major feats and become benchmarks in their disciplines. Their achievements and dedication have turned them into role models across the entire sporting world. And in that spirit, the multi-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles recently paid tribute to the incredibly talented, multi-title-winning tennis legend Serena Williams.
The emotional moment when Simone Biles referenced Serena Williams
During the ESPY Awards ceremony, where Simone Biles received two honors,Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete in Women’s Sports, for her outstanding showing at the Paris Olympic Games, she took a lighthearted moment to acknowledge Serena. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Biles was asked some fun questions about her outfit for the evening. But when posed with, “If I were to challenge anyone to a handstand contest?” she paused, mimicked preparing for a move by rotating her neck and hands, and then playfully answered: “Serena, get ready.”
This was a nod to a now-famous celebration Serena Williams performed over a decade ago, a moment that has since become a signature memory for fans of both sports. The celebration Simone Biles recreated from Serena Williams To revisit that iconic moment, we have to go back to 2014, when Serena Williams won her third consecutive WTA Finals title. She chose to celebrate uniquely, delighting her fans by doing a handstand in the locker room-an image she later shared on Instagram.
At the time, Serena was 33 years old and had just defeated Simona Halep with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 score. That victory marked her third straight WTA title and her fifth overall, cementing her legacy in the sport. In homage to that celebration, Biles, now a multiple-time ESPY winner herself, took the opportunity to recreate that gesture. It was also a fitting tribute considering that in 2024, Biles had hosted the ESPYs with charm and grace, receiving praise for her poise on stage.
A Tale of Two Icons
When Serena Williams clinched her legendary Grand Slam title in 2012, the world witnessed not just a victory—but the defining moment of an era. Fast-forward 11 years, and now a new name is echoing in the halls of greatness: Simone Biles. Known for her gravity-defying flips and fearless spirit, Biles isn’t just back—she’s boldly etching her name beside the legends.
Serena’s 2012 Win: A Turning Point in Tennis History
The Power Play at Wimbledon
Serena’s 2012 Wimbledon win wasn’t just about a trophy. It was about comeback, dominance, and excellence. After battling injuries and personal losses, her victory symbolized strength in adversity.
Mental Strength Beyond the Court
Let’s not forget Serena’s focus. Her 2012 performance was less about raw athleticism and more about mental resilience—the kind that champions are made of.
Enter Simone Biles: The Gymnastics Trailblazer
The Comeback Queen
After a mental health break during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles returned to the sport stronger than ever. Much like Serena, her return wasn’t just physical—it was deeply emotional and symbolic.
Breaking the Rules of Gravity
Biles continues to do the impossible—literally. With her historic Yurchenko double pike vault and unmatched difficulty scores, she’s setting new standards in gymnastics.
Biles vs. Williams: Not a Competition, But a Continuum
Different Sports, Same Legacy
Sure, tennis and gymnastics are miles apart in terms of rules. But when you zoom out, both athletes are trailblazers in their fields. They’ve redefined what’s possible—not just for women, but for all athletes.
Firebrands of Representation
They’re both Black women dominating historically white sports. That’s not just impressive—it’s revolutionary. Representation matters, and Serena and Simone made sure the world took notice Cultural Impact: More Than Just Medals
Pop Culture Phenoms
From Nike ads to Vogue covers, Serena and Simone have stepped far outside the bounds of their sports. They’re not just athletes—they’re cultural icons.
Using Their Voice for Change
Both women speak up. Whether it’s racial injustice, body positivity, or mental health, they don’t stay silent. That makes them rare and powerful.
Redefining Greatness in Sports
Not Just About Winning
Simone, like Serena, is showing that being a GOAT isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being human, honest, and resilient.
Records Will Be Broken—Legacies Won’t
Serena holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Simone boasts 30+ World/Olympic medals. But what really cements their legacies? The walls they broke down for those who come next.
The Generational Shift We Didn’t See Coming
Passing the Torch—Or Holding It Together?
Is Simone taking over Serena’s legacy? Not exactly. It’s more like expanding it, evolving it for a new generation of dreamers and doers.
Cycles of Greatness
Every generation has its star. For the 2000s, it was Serena. For today’s youth, it’s Simone. And that’s how legends live on—through the greatness they inspire.
Mental Health Matters: A Shared Battle
Breaking the Silence
Both women have opened up about mental health struggles—shattering the “tough it out” stereotype in sports.
Advocates for Athlete Wellness
They’ve changed how coaches, fans, and even sponsors view mental health. That’s a legacy of compassion and courage.
Beyond the Arena: Building Empires
Serena’s Fashion Line & Business Ventures
Serena isn’t just a tennis player—she’s a CEO, investor, and designer. She showed us athletes can own the game on and off the court.
Simone’s Brand Power
From beauty campaigns to sponsorships, Simone’s influence is growing fast. She’s more than a gymnast—she’s a brand.
Role Models Redefined
Not Just Athletes, But Symbols
They represent strength, grace, and change. Little girls now grow up seeing themselves in global champions. That’s no small feat.
The Evolution of Female Sports Icons
From Token to Titan
Serena paved the way. Simone took the torch and sprinted with it. The barriers keep breaking, and women athletes keep rising.
Why This Moment Matters So Much
A Cultural Crossroads
In a world craving hope, courage, and leadership—Serena and Simone give us all three. And right now, Simone is reigniting the conversation Serena started a decade ago.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not a Competition—It’s a Legacy
Simone Biles isn’t trying to beat Serena Williams. She’s continuing her legacy, adding new chapters with flips instead of serves. Together, they show us what greatness looks like across time, sport, and identity. And 11 years after Serena’s iconic win, Simone is proving that legends don’t fade—they multiply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Simone Biles trying to compete with Serena Williams’ legacy?
No. Biles isn’t competing—she’s continuing a legacy of excellence, resilience, and representation.
2. What made Serena’s 2012 win so iconic?
It marked a massive comeback, showcasing her mental strength and redefining dominance in women’s tennis.
3. How are Simone Biles and Serena Williams similar?
Both are barrier-breaking Black women who have dominated their respective sports while becoming cultural icons.
4. Has Simone Biles broken any historic records?
Yes! Biles has the most World Championship medals in gymnastics history and continues to break records with new, complex skills.
5. Why is this comparison between Serena and Simone important?
It highlights how legacies evolve and how modern icons like Biles are shaping the future by building on the foundation set by legends like Serena.
