Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, added another honor to her legendary career earlier this week. Despite her time off from the sport, the three-time Olympian was named one of Harper’s Bazaar’s Women of the Year for 2025. This recognition continues a trend of major awards for Biles, who also won the prestigious Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award after her remarkable performance at the 2024 Olympics. In Paris, she captured four medals, including three gold medals, bringing her career total to seven Olympic golds.
How Did Simone Biles React to Her Latest Honor?
Biles attended Harper’s Bazaar’s red carpet Woman of the Year event in Madrid on Oct. 28. Several other stars, such as Emma Roberts, Laura Pausini, and Iera Paperlight, were also major attendees for the evening.
The American gymnast graced the event in a glittering silver dress and later posted a few of her pictures from the ceremony on her Instagram. Sharing the post to her stories, she expressed her gratitude for the honor from Harper’s Bazaar. She wrote, “excited to be honored as one @harpersbazaares Women of the Year.”
When it comes to redefining strength, grace, and courage, Simone Biles continues to raise the bar—literally and figuratively. Recently, the gymnastics superstar was honored at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, and her heartfelt reaction quickly became one of the most talked-about moments online. Let’s dive into what made this moment so special and why Simone Biles remains one of the most inspiring figures of our time.
A Night to Remember: Simone Biles Shines Bright at Harper’s Bazaar
The Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards is known for celebrating exceptional women who’ve made a global impact through their work, influence, and advocacy. This year, Simone Biles was recognized not just for her record-breaking gymnastics career but for her unwavering strength in advocating for mental health and personal well-being.
A Standing Ovation for a Living Legend
As Simone walked onto the stage to accept her award, the crowd erupted in applause. Celebrities, athletes, and fans alike rose to their feet—paying tribute to the woman who changed the face of gymnastics forever.
Her elegant presence and genuine humility made the moment all the more powerful.
Simone’s Emotional Reaction: “I’m Just So Grateful”
When Simone took the microphone, emotions ran high. In her acceptance speech, she expressed deep gratitude, saying, “To be recognized alongside so many powerful women means the world to me. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about medals—it’s about resilience, self-love, and staying true to who you are.”
A Message That Resonated Across Generations
Simone’s words struck a chord. Her message about mental health and authenticity echoed far beyond the award show’s walls. Fans flooded social media with clips of her speech, praising her vulnerability and strength.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote: “Simone Biles isn’t just a champion in the gym—she’s a champion for every person learning to put themselves first.”
Red Carpet Royalty: Simone’s Stunning Fashion Moment
Before taking the stage, Biles wowed everyone on the red carpet in a custom golden gown that symbolized empowerment and grace. The look, designed by a renowned fashion house, exuded sophistication while honoring her powerful journey.
Style Meets Symbolism
Her stylist later revealed that the dress’s golden hue was chosen to represent resilience—much like the gold medals that define her career, but this time, reflecting the inner strength that defines her legacy.
Why Simone Biles Deserved This Honor
Simone Biles’ impact extends far beyond her 37 World and Olympic medals. She’s a trailblazer who redefined what it means to be a modern athlete.
Championing Mental Health Awareness
Biles’ decision to withdraw from events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to prioritize her mental health sparked a worldwide conversation. Instead of criticism, she received admiration for her honesty and courage.
Her advocacy has inspired countless athletes to prioritize self-care and mental well-being.
A Role Model for Women Everywhere
Through her transparency, perseverance, and kindness, Biles has become a beacon for women everywhere—proving that vulnerability and strength can coexist beautifully.
Harper’s Bazaar’s Tribute: Celebrating Courage and Confidence
The magazine praised Simone as “a woman who embodies strength in every form.”
In a touching tribute, Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief stated, “Simone has shown the world that true greatness isn’t just about victories—it’s about the courage to be real, even when the world is watching.”
Behind the Scenes: What Simone Said After the Ceremony
After the event, Simone took to Instagram to share her thoughts with her 7 million followers. Her caption read:
“Still processing last night. So honored and thankful. Every woman in that room reminded me that we rise higher when we lift each other up.”
The post quickly went viral, with thousands of fans and fellow athletes commenting words of love and admiration.
The Power of Representation: Simone Biles Inspires a New Generation
For young gymnasts, especially young girls of color, Simone Biles represents possibility. She’s not just a symbol of athletic excellence—she’s proof that determination, authenticity, and heart can rewrite history.
Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams
Her journey reminds us that representation matters. From her groundbreaking routines to her unshakable poise, Simone has opened doors for future generations of athletes who dare to dream big.
A Legacy That Transcends the Gym
Even after stepping back from competition, Simone continues to make waves through her advocacy work, partnerships, and motivational speaking.
The Simone Biles Effect
The term “Simone Biles Effect” has been used to describe how her influence has changed gymnastics forever—encouraging healthier training environments, prioritizing mental wellness, and promoting self-worth over perfectionism.
Celebrity Reactions: Stars Applaud Simone’s Honor
Celebrities like Serena Williams, Zendaya, and Michelle Obama shared messages of congratulations. Michelle Obama tweeted:
“Simone Biles continues to inspire us all—with her talent, her honesty, and her grace. So proud of you!”
These words perfectly encapsulate how Biles’ reach extends far beyond the sports world.
From Gymnastics to Global Icon
Simone has transcended sports to become a global symbol of empowerment. Whether she’s competing, advocating, or simply speaking her truth, she embodies resilience and authenticity in every aspect of her life.
The Emotional Core of the Night
The most touching moment came when Simone tearfully thanked her parents, saying, “Everything I am is because of the people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.”
That single line reminded everyone that even icons need love, support, and faith.
Social Media Explodes with Love and Support
The hashtag #SimoneBilesWOTY trended globally as fans shared videos, photos, and tributes. Memes, fan art, and heartfelt posts flooded every corner of the internet—proving that Biles’ influence continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Simone Biles?
With new projects in the works and her recent return to competitive gymnastics, Simone shows no signs of slowing down. Her blend of athletic brilliance and emotional authenticity ensures that her legacy will continue to evolve—and inspire—for decades to come.
Conclusion: Simone Biles—A True Definition of Greatness
Simone Biles’ reaction at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards wasn’t just about receiving another honor. It was a moment that celebrated her humanity, her courage, and her unwavering authenticity.
She reminded the world that being strong doesn’t mean being unbreakable—it means standing tall, even after you’ve fallen. Simone Biles isn’t just a champion; she’s a movement, a message, and an enduring symbol of what it means to be truly limitless.
