Comedian, actor and writer Shane Gillis delivered a sharp opening monologue as host, taking shots at the star-studded crowd and poking fun at everyone from Aaron Rodgers and Bill Belichick to Simone Biles and Shohei Ohtani. Despite a quip that likened Biles to a leprechaun for all her Olympic gold medals, the 28-year-old gymnast won even more hardware Wednesday night to add to her collection of accolades.
The Moment That Stole the Night
Simone Biles has done it again. At the 2025 ESPYS, the gymnastics icon didn’t just walk away with two major awards — she delivered a backstage message that stunned, inspired, and resonated with millions. After being honored as Best Athlete, Women’s Sports and receiving the Best Comeback Award, Biles stepped behind the curtain and spoke words that lit up the internet.
But what exactly did she say backstage? Let’s dive into her emotional, honest, and fiercely empowering message — and why it’s trending across every social media platform.
Simone Biles — A Comeback for the Ages
From Stepping Back to Stepping Up
After withdrawing from events during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) to prioritize her mental health, Biles became a symbol of strength in vulnerability. But 2024 was her true renaissance — a return to the sport that crowned her, and a reminder to the world: she’s not done yet.
H3: Her Return Wasn’t Just Physical — It Was Personal
Simone didn’t just return to win medals. She came back to reclaim her narrative. Winning the ESPY for Best Comeback wasn’t about gold—it was about grit, healing, and proving that you can rewrite your story on your own terms.
The Viral Backstage Quote Everyone’s Talking About
“I’m not here to be perfect. I’m here to be real.”
Yes, that’s exactly what Simone said backstage.
In a brief but powerful moment, she turned to reporters and said:
“I’m not here to be perfect. I’m here to be real. Winning these ESPYS isn’t just for the medals I’ve earned — it’s for the battles I fought that no one saw.”
Mic. Dropped.
This raw, heartfelt message instantly went viral, shared by celebrities, fans, athletes — even mental health advocates.
Breaking Down Simone’s Powerful Backstage Message
“I’m not here to be perfect…”
Simone has long struggled with public pressure to be flawless. But this time, she flipped the script. Her backstage quote reminded us all that perfection is overrated, and authenticity is power.
“…I’m here to be real.”
This line hits differently in today’s world of filtered lives and curated feeds. Biles is choosing real over rehearsed, and fans are here for it.
Why These ESPYS Meant More Than Trophies
Recognizing Resilience
While the gold medals are shiny, these ESPYS symbolize something deeper: resilience. Simone showed the world that it’s okay to step back, heal, and come back stronger.
Winning Without Apology
Biles didn’t sugarcoat her struggles. She acknowledged them — and then soared anyway. That’s what true champions do.
The Impact on Mental Health Advocacy
Biles Is Shifting the Conversation
Simone’s words backstage helped push the needle forward in mental health conversations. She proved that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
A Role Model for a New Generation
Young athletes are now growing up seeing Biles not just as the GOAT of gymnastics, but as the GOAT of honesty, courage, and self-care.
How Social Media Reacted to Simone’s Backstage Quote
Twitter Erupted
Moments after her backstage words hit the web, fans flooded Twitter with praise. Hashtags like #SimoneSaidItBest and #RealOverPerfect trended worldwide.
Celebrities Joined the Chorus
From Michelle Obama to Taylor Swift, major names reposted her quote, applauding her bravery and candor.
Real Talk — Why Her Words Matter
The Pressure of Public Perfection
When the world expects you to stick every landing, showing up as your unfiltered self is revolutionary. Biles is redefining what it means to be a champion.
She Speaks For So Many
Simone’s backstage comments were deeply personal — but they echoed a shared experience. We’ve all felt the weight of unrealistic expectations.
What Her Fellow Athletes Are Saying
Serena Williams Called It “A Moment for the Ages”
In a post-ESPYS interview, Serena said, “That line — ‘I’m here to be real’ — needs to be printed on every locker room wall.”
Fellow Gymnasts Applauded Her Strength
Her USA Gymnastics teammates shared heartfelt tributes, saying Biles’ backstage message brought them to tears.
A Legacy Bigger Than Gymnastics
Inspiring Future Champions
Simone’s influence goes beyond the mat. She’s paving the way for a culture of honesty, self-care, and mental health awareness in all sports.
Beyond the ESPYS, Into Everyday Life
Her message resonates with anyone who’s ever faced pressure to perform — whether in athletics, academics, parenting, or daily life.
The Power of One Sentence
Why It Went Viral
Short. Powerful. Honest. Her backstage words checked every box of a viral quote: authentic, relatable, and deeply emotional.
It Wasn’t Planned — And That’s Why It Mattered
The quote wasn’t scripted. It was real, raw, and from the heart — and people can feel that difference.
More Than an Athlete
Simone Biles Is a Movement
She’s no longer just an Olympic gymnast — she’s a movement of strength, self-respect, and radical truth.
Redefining Success
Her ESPY wins weren’t just about athletic excellence. They were about redefining success in the age of pressure and perfection.
Final Thoughts — The Message That Will Echo for Years
Simone Biles’ backstage words weren’t long. They weren’t rehearsed. But they were unforgettable.
They reminded us that being real beats being perfect, every single time.
Whether you’re chasing gold or just trying to make it through the day, remember what Simone said:
“I’m not here to be perfect. I’m here to be real.”
