Simone Biles dished out a dirty look after she was asked if she wished she was ‘more athletic’ in a cruel TikTok prank. The four-time Olympian, 27, looked stunned when internet personality Sophie Tangel posed the question in a TikTok video on September 4. Biles, who holds the record as the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 combined Olympic and World Championship medals – including seven Olympic golds – couldn’t hide her disbelief. ‘Is this a serious question?’ she shot back after a moment of silence.
When Tangel pressed her again, the gymnastics superstar burst out laughing before firing: ‘Do you know who you’re talking to?’ The comment section did not disappoint, with viewers piling on to mock the prank and celebrate Biles’s clapback. One fan quoted her line back at her: ‘Do you know who you’re talking to’ with a crying emoji, while another joked: ‘Don’t make Simone Biles grab her medals.’ Others pointed out the absurdity of the question, writing: ‘Asked the most athletic woman on the planet’ and ‘Not just an Olympian, THE Olympian.’
A Question That Sparked Outrage
Simone Biles, the gymnastics legend often called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), has faced plenty of bizarre questions during her career. But one question recently crossed the line—“Do you wish you were more athletic?” Her disgusted reaction didn’t just silence the interviewer; it set the internet ablaze.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what happened, why her response was so powerful, and what it means for athletes who constantly face scrutiny. Get ready—because this story is more than just a clapback; it’s a masterclass in confidence.
Who Is Simone Biles?
Before diving into the controversy, let’s take a step back. Simone Biles is not just any gymnast. She’s a:
-
7-time Olympic medalist
-
25-time World Championship medalist
-
The gymnast who redefined what’s humanly possible in the sport.
So, when someone asks if she wishes she was more athletic, it’s like asking Michael Jordan if he wished he could jump higher.
The Interview That Shocked Fans
The question was simple yet absurd: “Do you wish you were more athletic?”
For a woman who has performed moves so advanced that gymnastics named them after her, this question was not only insulting but downright laughable.
Simone Biles’s Furious Answer
Instead of ignoring it, Simone Biles gave a response that perfectly captured her disgust. While the exact words varied across outlets, her tone was clear:
-
She dismissed the question as ridiculous.
-
She made it clear she has nothing to prove.
-
She reminded the world that her record speaks louder than any insult.
Why the Question Was Offensive
Why did this question strike such a nerve with Simone—and her fans?
-
It undermines her achievements. She’s already the most decorated gymnast in history.
-
It plays into stereotypes. Female athletes, especially women of color, are often questioned in ways men aren’t.
-
It’s rooted in ignorance. The question ignores the fact that gymnastics is one of the most demanding sports on the planet.
Public Reaction: Outrage and Support
When clips of the interview surfaced, the internet exploded. Fans, athletes, and celebrities rallied behind Simone. Many called out the reporter for being disrespectful, while others praised Biles for standing her ground.
Athletes Under the Microscope
This moment highlights a bigger issue—why athletes are constantly judged beyond their performance.
-
They’re critiqued for their bodies.
-
They’re questioned about their mental health.
-
They’re compared unfairly to unrealistic standards.
Simone Biles: Redefining Athleticism
If athleticism means pushing human limits, then Simone Biles defines it. Her skills include:
-
The Biles I and II – Moves so complex that few dare attempt them.
-
Gravity-defying flips and twists that no one else can match.
She doesn’t just meet the definition of athletic—she rewrote it.
The GOAT Mentality
Simone’s furious response wasn’t just about defending herself. It was about sending a message: “Greatness doesn’t need validation.”
That’s the GOAT mentality. Confidence mixed with hard work and results.
Media and the Pressure on Women Athletes
This controversy isn’t just about one question. It’s about how media treats women athletes differently. Imagine asking LeBron James if he wishes he was more athletic. Sounds absurd, right? Yet, women like Biles face these insulting questions constantly.
Why Fans Resonated With Her Response
Fans loved Simone’s answer because it felt real. It wasn’t polished PR. It was raw emotion. And in that moment, she represented every athlete—or every person—who’s ever been underestimated.
The Power of Saying ‘Enough’
Sometimes the most powerful statement an athlete can make isn’t on the competition floor. It’s standing up against ignorance. Simone’s furious reply was more than a comeback—it was a declaration of self-worth.
Social Media Eruption
Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram lit up with memes, reactions, and support. Hashtags like #SimoneBiles and #RespectTheGOAT trended for days. Her fans didn’t just defend her—they celebrated her.
Lessons From Simone’s Clapback
Here’s what we can all learn from Simone Biles’s furious reaction:
-
Know your worth. Don’t let others define your value.
-
Confidence is key. When you’re the best, you don’t need to prove it.
-
Call out ignorance. Sometimes silence isn’t an option.
The Legacy of Simone Biles
This incident won’t define her career—but her response adds to her legacy. Simone Biles isn’t just rewriting gymnastics history. She’s rewriting how athletes demand respect.
Conclusion: Simone Biles Doesn’t Need Validation
Simone Biles’s disgusted and furious answer to being asked if she wishes she were “more athletic” proves one thing: greatness speaks for itself. She doesn’t just perform impossible moves—she challenges impossible questions. And every time, she wins.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Simone Biles get angry at the question?
Because it disrespected her accomplishments and implied she wasn’t athletic enough—despite being the most decorated gymnast ever.
Q2: Has Simone Biles faced similar disrespect before?
Yes, like many female athletes, she’s often faced unfair scrutiny about her body, performance, and even mental health.
Q3: How did fans react to the interview?
Fans rallied around her, calling the question insulting and praising Simone for shutting it down.
Q4: What makes Simone Biles the GOAT of gymnastics?
Her record-breaking medals, groundbreaking skills, and influence on the sport cement her status as the greatest of all time.
Q5: What lesson can others learn from her response?
To stand tall, know your worth, and never let someone else’s ignorance define your value.
