The Queen of Gymnastics Speaks Up
Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, has never just been about flips, twists, and medals. She’s also a powerful voice of resilience. After years of enduring harsh criticism, toxic comments, and relentless online trolling, she recently sent out a subtle but powerful warning to her haters. This wasn’t just another celebrity clap-back—it was a masterclass in strength, grace, and self-respect.
So, what did she say, and why does it matter? Let’s dive into Simone Biles’ powerful message and how it’s reshaping the conversation around online hate.
Who Is Simone Biles Really?
Before we unpack her response, it’s worth revisiting who Simone Biles is beyond the headlines.
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Olympic Champion: With multiple Olympic gold medals, she’s considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.
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Trailblazer: She redefined gymnastics by performing moves so complex that judges had to rewrite scoring rules.
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Mental Health Advocate: At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she bravely prioritized mental health over medals, sparking global conversations.
This isn’t just an athlete. Simone Biles is a symbol of resilience and self-worth.
The Weight of Online Trolling
Social media has given athletes more visibility than ever, but with fame comes a dark side: online trolling. For years, Simone Biles has faced:
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Unfair Comparisons: People downplaying her achievements.
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Body Shaming: Hurtful comments about her appearance.
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Doubts About Mental Strength: Critics calling her “weak” for stepping back at the Tokyo Olympics.
But instead of shrinking under the negativity, Biles has chosen to reclaim the narrative.
The Subtle Warning to Haters
Recently, Simone Biles shared a message that wasn’t loud or aggressive, but sharp and clear. She reminded the world—and her haters—that no amount of trolling will ever define her legacy.
Her warning was simple yet powerful: she doesn’t owe anyone perfection.
By taking back her story, Biles made it clear that online trolls have no power over her growth, her happiness, or her future.
Why Her Response Matters
You might be wondering—why does this subtle clap-back matter so much?
Because it shifts the focus. Instead of fueling negativity with anger, she chose empowerment. This is more than a comeback; it’s a reminder to everyone being trolled that they don’t have to bend to hate.
Simone Biles and Mental Health Advocacy
Simone’s response ties directly to her long-standing advocacy for mental health. After Tokyo 2020, when she pulled out of key events due to the “twisties” (a dangerous mental block in gymnastics), critics were brutal. But her decision saved her safety—and possibly her life.
Her subtle warning now reinforces that protecting your peace matters more than pleasing strangers online.
The Psychology Behind Online Hate
Why do trolls attack stars like Simone Biles?
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Anonymity: People feel braver behind a screen.
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Jealousy: Haters target those who shine the brightest.
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Projection: Trolls often project their own insecurities.
Simone’s calm warning works because it breaks this cycle. Instead of reacting emotionally, she stays in control.
Turning Negativity Into Motivation
One of Simone’s greatest strengths is how she flips negativity into motivation. Every hateful comment becomes fuel to push boundaries in her sport. It’s like turning poison into medicine—a survival skill that only true champions master.
Back when Simone Biles pulled out of most of her routines at the Tokyo Olympics due to experiencing the “twisties” mid-air, she faced immense trolling from people who accused her of abandoning her teammates at a crucial moment. “America hates me. The world is going to hate me. I can only see what they’re saying on Twitter right now,” she recalled thinking at the time. Biles further added, “If I could’ve gotten on a plane and flown home, I would’ve done it. I thought I was going to be banned from America ‘cause that’s what they tell you: ‘Don’t come back if not gold. Gold or bust. Don’t come back.”
The Tokyo setback in 2021 was the biggest challenge of her career. Despite being one of the best from the U.S., she was trolled by her own people, who blamed Biles for the gymnastics team bringing home only silver. She redeemed herself at the Paris Olympics, but has the noise gone down? Not exactly. This past June, amid her back-and-forth with Riley Gaines over transgender athletes, she deleted her X account, leaving a cryptic message on her Instagram that read, “Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive.” Back in 2024, she took to her X handle to write, “X is a scary a– place,” expressing her emotions publicly. The tweet seemed like an outburst triggered by the public scrutiny she and her partner, Jonathan Owens, faced after his comments on The Pivot Podcast.
After years of trolling, Simone Biles, who is currently on a hiatus, has come forward to clap back at the haters. Taking to her TikTok handle, the Olympian lip-synced to the popular Nicki Minaj quote, “If you don’t like me, that’s fine, but you know, watch your mouth.” This was understandable, considering that Biles, despite achieving so much, has repeatedly been trolled on X for even her simplest comments.
The Tokyo Olympics scare will always remain a scar in Biles’ life—the mid-air twisties, walking off during her routine, and the backlash she received, all of it will be remembered by her. In her latest confession, she expressed that her docuseries might help ordinary people understand what an athlete has to go through.
Simone Biles reveals the struggles of athletes in her Netflix docuseries
Simone Biles’ documentary, Rising, has become one of the most-viewed and critically acclaimed documentaries of recent times. Directed by Katie Walsh, it showcases Biles’ journey after her Tokyo scare, how she dealt with the backlash, and her redemption at the Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver. At the screening dinner for her documentary, she revealed that the series will help common people understand what an athlete goes through when faced with failure.
“Behind the scenes, people don’t get that inside view. We wanted to take them through the whole process — the good days and the bad days — and make it feel real and raw. And with Netflix being global, it means everyone has the opportunity to watch,” said Simone Biles. Ending her statement, the Olympian gave a message for the young folks.
She further added, “Always be brave. Always be kind because you never know what people are going through behind the scenes. It’s okay to take a break, to pause, to recollect your thoughts … to rise again. Everyone’s journey is unique. Go out there and write your own story.” Taking a break from her career, Biles is looking to compete at the LA Olympics in 2028—but will she do it?
