Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles left tennis legend Serena Williams nearly speechless after sharing jaw-dropping photos from her vacation in the British Virgin Islands. The 28-year-old gymnast, fresh off a stellar showing at the 2025 ESPY Awards, posted a striking image on Instagram on Sunday that had fans and fellow icons buzzing. Biles, wearing a chic black string bikini and polka-dot bottoms, stood on the deck of a yacht looking relaxed and radiant. She captioned the post: “god forbid a girl uses her passport.”
The post quickly racked up likes and comments, but one reaction stood out: Williams simply replied, “Ughhh.” Biles and Williams have shared a close friendship in recent years, one rooted in mutual respect and a shared experience of breaking barriers as Black women in sports. Their connection has grown through light-hearted exchanges, public praise and personal support. Williams publicly honored Biles in a 2021 TIME magazine tribute, calling her “a shining example of what success looks like.” They’ve crossed paths at major events too, including this year’s TIME 100 Gala and the 2025 Met Gala, where their bond was on full display. During Biles’ 2024 Gold Over America Tour, she even took time to meet Williams’ daughter, Olympia.
When Icons Collide
What happens when two of the greatest female athletes of all time cross paths online? Fireworks. That’s exactly what happened when Simone Biles posted something so powerful, it left tennis queen Serena Williams utterly speechless. The internet couldn’t get enough — and neither can we. Let’s dive deep into the post that has fans, celebrities, and even fellow GOATs (Greatest Of All Time) buzzing with admiration.
Who Is Simone Biles? A Brief Recap for the Uninitiated
The Gymnast Who Redefined the Sport
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast. She’s the gymnast. With 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, her resume is unmatched. She has moves named after her and flips physics on its head — literally.
More Than Medals — A Mental Health Advocate
Simone isn’t just known for her acrobatics. Her brave stance on mental health during the Tokyo Olympics made headlines globally. She became a symbol of strength, not just physically, but emotionally.
Serena Williams — A Tennis Titan
A Living Legend of the Court
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena Williams isn’t just a tennis player. She’s a force of nature. Her powerful presence both on and off the court has shattered stereotypes and inspired millions.
H3: The Queen of Class
Serena isn’t just known for her achievements. She’s known for how she handles victory and defeat alike — with grace. So when she is rendered speechless, you know something serious went down.
The Post That Broke the Internet
A Photo That Spoke Volumes
Simone Biles took to Instagram with a powerful image. Draped in elegance, strength, and confidence, she posed in a way that blended grace with grit. It wasn’t just the outfit or pose — it was the aura.
The Caption That Made Waves
Underneath the photo, Biles captioned it: “Own your power. Always.”
Simple? Maybe. But when paired with the image and Biles’ journey, it struck a chord.
Serena’s Reaction — One Word: Speechless
The Comment That Says It All
Within minutes, Serena commented a single emoji: 😶 (speechless face). No words. No elaborate praise. Just that — and it said more than a paragraph could.
Why It Matters
For Serena, someone who’s no stranger to excellence, showing that level of awe speaks volumes. It was a GOAT recognizing another GOAT in a moment of mutual respect.
Social Media Goes Wild
Fans Rally Around the Moment
Comments flooded in — from fans, celebs, and fellow athletes. Many dubbed it “a passing of the torch,” though others insisted it was more like “legends supporting legends.”
Hashtags Trending
Within hours, hashtags like #SimoneBiles, #SerenaSpeechless, and #GOATsUnite started trending on Twitter and TikTok. The moment struck a universal chord.
What Made the Post So Special?
Timing Is Everything
Simone’s post came on the heels of her triumphant return to competition. After stepping back for mental health reasons, her reappearance with such strength and poise sent a bold message: she’s back and better than ever.
The Message Beyond the Image
“Own your power” wasn’t just for her. It was for every young woman watching. Every athlete battling inner demons. Every person who ever felt “not enough.”
A Cultural Shift in Female Empowerment
From Competition to Celebration
We’re witnessing a beautiful shift. Icons aren’t tearing each other down. They’re lifting each other up. Biles and Williams aren’t competing for spotlight — they’re sharing it.
The Power of Vulnerability
What connects Biles and Williams most isn’t just talent — it’s vulnerability. They’ve both let the world in on their struggles, making their victories all the more inspiring.
Gymnastics and Tennis — Different Arenas, Same Fight
Battling Expectations
Both women have had to fight stereotypes. Too strong. Too emotional. Too bold. And yet, they’ve turned every criticism into fuel.
Redefining “Feminine” in Sports
They’ve shown the world that strength is beautiful, and power isn’t the opposite of grace — it is grace.
The Evolution of Athlete Influence
Beyond the Sport
Today’s athletes aren’t just players. They’re influencers, advocates, and role models. Simone and Serena use their platforms to spark conversations that matter.
The GOATs of Generation Z
Gen Z loves authenticity — and Biles and Williams serve it straight. They’re unfiltered, real, and inspiring a generation to speak up and stand tall.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
All Eyes on Paris 2024
With her recent comeback, fans are hoping she’ll dominate the Paris Olympics. If that happens, she might just add another layer to her legend.
Expanding Her Empire
From book deals to mental health initiatives and fashion collaborations, Simone’s influence is only growing.
Final Thoughts — When Icons Acknowledge Icons
When Serena Williams goes speechless, you know you’ve done something extraordinary. Simone Biles’ post wasn’t just a photo — it was a statement. It was a celebration of power, resilience, and womanhood.
The mutual respect between these two champions is a reminder of what greatness truly looks like: not just winning, but inspiring.
Conclusion: Power Recognizes Power
In a world hungry for negativity, this moment stood out as pure, positive, and real. Simone Biles didn’t just impress Serena Williams — she united millions with a message that transcends sports. It wasn’t just about going viral. It was about owning your journey, honoring your strength, and recognizing greatness in others. Whether you’re flipping on a balance beam or facing life’s challenges, remember: Own your power. Always.
