Serena Williams, a trailblazer in tennis and a symbol of excellence in global sport, added another significant milestone to her storied career in 2025 with her induction into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Hall of Fame and Simone Biles was keen to celebrate. Her induction recognizes not only an athletic legacy of 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, the latter largely alongside her older sister Venus, as she became regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all-time.
But it also marked her cultural impact and unwavering advocacy for women and marginalized communities, and one of the most notable tributes following the announcement came from another iconic athlete in the form of the gymnastics legend. “Congrats on your USOPC hall of fame. Well earned babes!!!!,” Biles posted to Instagram, on July 12 as fans quickly sent the moment between two Olympics greats viral, full of admiration, respect and celebration.
Williams’ Hall of Fame honor, announced in June, places her alongside American sports giants such as Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph and the USOPC highlighted Serena’s “unparalleled impact,” particularly through her Olympic achievements-singles gold in 2012 and three doubles golds in 2000, 2008, and 2012. Beyond the medals, the committee emphasized her role in shaping the perception of women in sports and inspiring a global audience as she became synonymous with women’s tennis between 2003-2022.
In a powerful moment that resonated across the sports world, gymnastics icon Simone Biles paid heartfelt tribute to tennis legend Serena Williams, following an Olympic-level honor that cemented Serena’s legacy. From one GOAT to another, this moment was about more than sports—it was about mutual respect, admiration, and trailblazing history. Let’s dive deep into the emotional connection between these two powerful women, and why their bond is reshaping how we see greatness in sports.
Why This Tribute Matters: More Than Just a Tweet
Simone Biles isn’t someone who tosses out casual praise. When she speaks, it means something.
So when she honored Serena after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) celebrated the tennis queen’s historic career, it wasn’t just fan-girling—it was one legend acknowledging another.
Serena Williams: The New Olympic Honor That Sparked It All
Recognizing Greatness on the Global Stage
Serena Williams was recently honored by the IOC for her unparalleled contributions to tennis and her role in breaking racial and gender barriers in sports. This tribute wasn’t just about medals. It was about changing the world.
Olympic Stats That Speak Volumes
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4 Olympic Gold Medals
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Single & Doubles Dominance
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First Black Woman to Hold All Four Grand Slam Titles at Once
Why the Timing of the Tribute Matters
This recognition came just as conversations around equity and representation in sports are gaining traction. Serena’s honor was symbolic of a much-needed shift—and that’s why Biles stepped up with her words.
Simone Biles’ Loving Words: The Tribute Everyone’s Talking About
What Did Simone Biles Say?
Simone posted on her Instagram story and later shared a tweet that read:
“You’ve always been a hero to me. Thank you for showing the world what greatness looks like. Your journey made mine possible. Congrats, queen 👑 @serenawilliams”
Simple, Honest, and Impactful
These weren’t overly polished PR lines. They were raw. Real. The kind of message one powerful Black woman sends another when words alone can’t do justice.
The Bond Between Two GOATs
Beyond Sports: Sisters in Struggle and Strength
Serena and Simone have walked parallel paths of greatness, often under similar pressures and criticisms. Both have:
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Faced intense public scrutiny
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Advocated for mental health awareness
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Broken racial barriers in predominantly white sports
More Than Athletes—They’re Icons
They are no longer just athletes. They are symbols of resilience, change-makers, and inspirational forces for young women everywhere.
Mutual Admiration: Serena’s Response to Simone
Serena Wasn’t Silent Either
After Simone’s tribute went viral, Serena reposted it with a sweet caption:
“Thank you, Simone. Your strength inspires me every single day. Keep soaring.”
This wasn’t just about polite acknowledgment. This was black excellence celebrating itself, and the world watched in awe.
The Internet Reacts: Social Media Explodes
Fans Were Here for the GOAT Love
Thousands flooded social media with reactions like:
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“This is what empowerment looks like.”
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“From one queen to another. I’m crying!”
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“Representation matters—thank you, Simone and Serena!”
Trending Hashtags
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#GOATtoGOAT
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#BlackExcellence
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#SerenaWilliams
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#SimoneBiles
The Bigger Picture: Black Women Leading the Way
Role Models for the Next Generation
Their influence isn’t just athletic—it’s cultural, societal, and deeply personal. Young Black girls now grow up seeing:
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Representation at the highest levels
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Power in vulnerability (remember Biles at Tokyo 2020?)
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The reality that they can lead, thrive, and dominate
Mental Health, Grace, and Grit
Both Women Took a Stand
Simone stepped away from competition in Tokyo to protect her mental health. Serena openly talked about postpartum depression and emotional tolls of tennis.
Their openness changed the game—literally.
Why This Moment Hit So Hard
It’s Rare to See Icons Acknowledge Each Other So Publicly
In a world often driven by competition, seeing mutual admiration between two GOATs is refreshing and deeply meaningful.
A Timeline of Their Shared Support Over the Years
Key Moments
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2016: Serena praises Simone during Rio Olympics.
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2019: Simone calls Serena her “superhero.”
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2021: Both speak on mental health challenges.
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2025: The now-viral tribute after IOC honor.
Their story? A masterclass in sisterhood, empowerment, and excellence.
Why This Story Went Viral
Emotional Truth Meets Star Power
You’ve got:
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A global icon receiving overdue honor
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A younger legend lifting her up publicly
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Fans starving for feel-good, empowering moments
Boom. Virality achieved.
What We Can Learn From These Queens
Uplift Others Loudly
Use your platform. Like Simone did.
Give Flowers While They’re Still Here
Celebrate people now—not posthumously. Serena deserved this honor. Simone made sure the world felt it.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Tribute—It’s a Movement
This wasn’t just about Serena or Simone. It was about Black women supporting each other in public, powerful ways. It was about a shift in culture—towards grace, acknowledgment, and sisterhood.
And let’s face it—we could all use more of that.
