“I couldn’t believe it, and I don’t think I processed what they were actually telling me until afterwards,” she shared. “They worked so hard to portray this film as close to my life as possible. I was shocked—but I would’ve been more shocked if we didn’t do it.” When asked if she would trade one of her Olympic medals for an Emmy, she laughed, “Unfortunately, I would not swap one of my medals, but I would love to add to the collection.”
Biles also shared that she wanted to make a documentary to encourage other athletes to show what their lives are like. “Elite athletes, what we do isn’t normal,” she said. “When you watch, you feel that connection through the screen. I’d love to do more of this and tell other athletes’ stories.”On Sunday night, Simone Biles missed the 77th annual Emmy Awards despite her Netflix documentary series, Simone Biles Rising, being recognized.
The show follows Biles through both her tremendous success as a gold medal-winning gymnast and her struggles with mental health, including her 2020 withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympic Games. It then covers her time at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she rose to the top yet again. The four-part series was nominated in the Outstanding Documentary (Series) category. It ultimately lost to 100 Foot Wave. Biles was in the public eye today, attending husband Jonathan Owens’s game against the Detroit Lions in Michigan. Owens is a safety for the Chicago Bears. In February, Biles’s series won the Producer’s Guild award for Outstanding Sports Program and then two Critics Choice Documentary Awards for Best Sports Documentary and Best Limited Documentary Series.
When Simone Biles’ documentary received an Emmy nomination, fans expected the gymnast to steal the spotlight at the 2025 Emmy Awards. Yet, when the cameras panned across Hollywood’s most glamorous night, she was nowhere to be seen. Why did the world’s most decorated gymnast skip such a huge moment? Let’s break it down.
Simone Biles and the 2025 Emmys Buzz
The announcement of Simone Biles’ documentary being nominated for an Emmy sent shockwaves across sports and entertainment. After all, it wasn’t just about gymnastics—it was about resilience, mental health, and redefining success. But when she didn’t show up to celebrate, social media lit up with speculation.
The Backstory of Simone Biles’ Emmy-Nominated Documentary
A Story Beyond Gymnastics
Simone’s documentary isn’t just about flips and medals—it’s about courage, vulnerability, and choosing mental health over expectations. It resonated far beyond the sports world.
Why the Doc Earned an Emmy Nod
The raw honesty in her story is what caught the attention of Emmy voters. It gave the world a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be human in the face of unimaginable pressure.
Why Simone Biles Skipped the Emmys
Personal Priorities Over Public Spotlight
Instead of basking in the Hollywood glow, Simone chose a different path—one that stayed true to her values. For her, family, training, and personal peace often outweigh the red carpet.
Self-Care as a Bold Statement
Skipping the Emmys wasn’t a snub—it was a continuation of her message: mental well-being comes first. Just as she stepped back during the Tokyo Olympics, she reminded everyone that no award show defines her worth.
Scheduling Conflicts and Commitments
Sources close to the gymnast hinted at scheduling conflicts. Between her training, personal life, and appearances, her calendar might have made the Emmys impossible.
The Internet Reacts to Simone’s Absence
Fans Divided on Social Media
Twitter and Instagram were flooded with reactions. Some fans defended her choice, applauding her consistency. Others were disappointed not to see her dazzling on the carpet.
Celebrities Speak Out
Several stars at the Emmys gave Simone a shoutout, acknowledging her powerful story and influence even in her absence.
Simone Biles’ Legacy Beyond Award Shows
Redefining Winning
For Simone, skipping the Emmys wasn’t about missing an event—it was about proving that success is not measured by appearances but by authenticity.
Inspiring a Generation
Her decision resonated with young athletes and fans worldwide. By skipping, she showed that boundaries are not weakness—they’re strength.
What This Means for the Future
More Than Gymnastics, More Than Hollywood
Simone’s career has evolved beyond sports. Whether she’s on the mat, in documentaries, or advocating for mental health, her voice is louder than ever.
A New Standard for Celebrities
Her choice challenges the status quo in Hollywood. She’s rewriting the script: you don’t have to attend every event to stay relevant—you just have to stay true.
Final Thoughts
Simone Biles’ absence at the 2025 Emmys wasn’t about rejection—it was about reflection. Her Emmy-nominated documentary is proof of her impact, but her decision to skip the ceremony is an even stronger statement. She’s teaching the world that self-care is not just personal—it’s powerful.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t Simone Biles attend the 2025 Emmys?
She prioritized her personal commitments and mental well-being over attending the ceremony.
2. Was Simone Biles upset about missing the Emmys?
There’s no indication she was upset. In fact, her decision reflects her consistent focus on balance and authenticity.
3. Did Simone Biles win the Emmy for her documentary?
At the time of writing, the results had not overshadowed the bigger story—her absence and what it symbolized.
4. How did fans react to her skipping the event?
Fans were divided—some defended her, while others expressed disappointment not to see her.
5. Will Simone Biles continue to appear in documentaries or media projects?
Given the impact of her current documentary, it’s likely she’ll continue using media as a platform for advocacy and storytelling.
