Simone Biles is the latest athlete to be asked, as part of a viral social media trend, “Do you wish you were more athletic?” The TikTok trend involves posing this question to professional sports competitors, often with the goal of annoying or angering them. On Sept. 4, Biles was the trend’s latest victim, and she handled it like a champ. “Do you sometimes wish you were a little more athletic?” her friend and internet personality Sophie Tangel said before turning the camera to Biles, who is, of course, the most decorated gymnast in history. Looking confused, Biles replied, “Is this a serious question?”
Tangel then repeated the question, which made Biles burst out laughing. “Do you know who you’re talking to?” she responded. A third added, “I love that there’s no false humility there. She’s the GOAT and she knows it.” Other athletes have been caught with this trend as well, including professional softball player Sierra Romero, lacrosse player Matt Rees and four-time Olympian Lily Zhang. When Rees was asked the question by his wife, he hilariously started dashing back and forth to show how quick he is on the field. As for Romero, she pointed at her accolades hanging on the wall and said, “I’d say I’m pretty athletic.”
Zhang, on the other hand, admitted that she could be better as an athlete. “I think I am naturally athletic, but I think I could be so much more athletic. And if I was more athletic, the world would be trembling right now,” she said. Online, people said that they loved Zhang’s answer.
When 7 Words Shake the Internet
Sometimes, the most powerful statements aren’t long speeches or carefully crafted press releases—they’re short, sharp, and unforgettable. That’s exactly what Simone Biles, the gymnastics legend and one of the most decorated athletes in history, did recently. With just seven words, she silenced the ongoing chatter about the so-called “more athletic” trend that has taken over online sports debates. Her response didn’t just trend—it redefined what it means to be athletic in the modern age. But what exactly did she say? And why did it hit so hard? Let’s break it down.
Who Is Simone Biles and Why Does She Matter?
Before diving into her viral reply, let’s pause for a second. Simone Biles isn’t just any gymnast. She’s the face of gymnastics in the 21st century. With multiple Olympic gold medals and world championship titles, she has redefined the sport and raised the bar—literally and figuratively.
When Simone Biles speaks, the sports world listens. And when she claps back, the whole internet pays attention.
The Rise of the ‘More Athletic’ Trend
So, what is this “more athletic” trend anyway?
It started as a social media movement where people began comparing athletes across sports, asking who was “more athletic.” Who’s faster? Who’s stronger? Who has the edge in raw talent? While it sounds fun, it often downplays the unique skills that different sports require.
For gymnasts like Biles—whose discipline combines strength, balance, agility, and artistry—the trend felt reductive. And that’s when she stepped in.
Simone Biles’ Legendary 7-Word Response
Her exact reply?
“Being athletic looks different for every sport.”
Boom. Seven words. One mic drop.
With this single sentence, Biles cut through all the noise. She reminded everyone that athleticism isn’t one-size-fits-all. The strength needed to dunk a basketball isn’t the same as the grace required to land a quadruple twist on a four-inch beam.
Why Those 7 Words Matter So Much
Biles’ response resonated for a few key reasons:
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It was simple. No long explanation, no defensive rant—just a clear truth.
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It was inclusive. She celebrated all sports, not just gymnastics.
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It was empowering. Her words validated athletes everywhere, from sprinters to swimmers to skaters.
In a world obsessed with comparisons, she reminded us that greatness wears many faces.
The Internet’s Reaction: A Viral Wave
When Biles dropped her 7-word response, social media exploded. Twitter timelines filled with applause emojis, Instagram posts quoted her words, and TikTok users turned her statement into motivational edits.
Athletes from other sports even chimed in, agreeing that the debate was tired and unnecessary. Once again, Biles proved she wasn’t just a gymnast—she was a voice of reason in the sports world.
Redefining Athleticism in the Modern Era
Biles’ statement raises a bigger question: what is athleticism, really?
Traditionally, people associate it with raw strength, speed, or endurance. But athleticism is more than muscle—it’s about skill, strategy, mental toughness, and adaptability. A marathon runner and a weightlifter are both athletes, yet their training and strengths look completely different.
Her reply reminded the world to appreciate all forms of greatness.
How Biles Balances Strength and Grace
Simone Biles embodies a unique kind of athleticism. Her routines require explosive power to launch into mid-air flips, but also perfect precision to stick landings. It’s not just about muscles—it’s about mastery.
Her 7-word statement wasn’t just philosophy. It was her lived reality.
A Lesson in Confidence
Another reason her response went viral? Confidence. Biles didn’t hesitate, didn’t soften her words, and didn’t second-guess herself.
Athletes often face criticism or comparisons, but Biles showed how to rise above it. Her confidence is contagious, inspiring not only athletes but anyone facing unfair comparisons in their own lives.
The Broader Impact on Sports Culture
Sports culture often leans into rivalry: who’s faster, stronger, better? But this mindset can overshadow the artistry and discipline behind different athletic pursuits.
Biles’ viral response shifted the conversation. Instead of asking who’s better, fans started celebrating how each sport pushes human limits in unique ways.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Her Words
Let’s be real—without social media, Biles’ comment might have stayed low-key. But thanks to Twitter threads, TikTok edits, and viral memes, her 7 words reached millions.
This shows the power of short, authentic messaging in today’s digital age. Sometimes less really is more.
Comparisons Across Sports: Why They Fall Short
Think about it: can you truly compare a gymnast to a soccer player? Or a swimmer to a boxer? Each sport develops a different set of skills and physical demands.
It’s like comparing apples and oranges—or more accurately, apples and roller coasters. Both are amazing, but they’re designed for completely different experiences.
Simone Biles as a Role Model
Beyond medals, Simone Biles has become a role model for self-expression, mental health advocacy, and redefining success.
Her 7-word statement added another layer to her legacy. She isn’t just winning competitions—she’s shaping how we think about sports and athletes.
What We Can Learn From Her Response
Her mic-drop moment leaves us with a few big takeaways:
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Respect diversity in strength. Every sport requires different skills.
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Keep it simple. The most powerful messages are often the shortest.
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Confidence wins. Believing in your worth shuts down pointless debates.
The Future of the ‘More Athletic’ Conversation
Thanks to Biles, the “more athletic” trend may lose steam. Or maybe it will evolve into a healthier discussion—one that celebrates the wide spectrum of athletic talent instead of pitting athletes against each other.
Either way, her words will be remembered as a turning point.
Conclusion: 7 Words That Changed the Game
Simone Biles reminded the world that athleticism doesn’t have a single definition. With just seven words—“Being athletic looks different for every sport”—she sparked a global conversation, silenced critics, and inspired athletes everywhere.
Her response wasn’t just about gymnastics. It was about respect, inclusivity, and the beauty of diversity in sports. And that’s why those seven words will echo long after the trend fades.
