Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles was left in awe during her recent trip to Louisiana State University when she came face-to-face with an unusual campus resident: Mike the Tiger. The gymnastics superstar shared her astonishment on social media after spotting the university’s live tiger mascot. “This is wiiiillldddd, a whole tiger living on campus,” Biles posted on her Instagram Stories, along with a photo of the tiger relaxing in its enclosure.
Biles, known for her legendary performances in gymnastics, made the trip to Baton Rouge to surprise her close friend and LSU gymnast Zoe Miller. However, her well-intentioned surprise didn’t go exactly as planned, as Miller’s Apple inadvertently spoiled it by alerting her to Biles’ location.
Rather than her usual air travel, Biles opted for a road trip from her home in Houston to Baton Rouge. While on campus, she fully embraced the LSU experience, with her encounter with Mike the Tiger becoming a highlight of the trip. Biles’ visit came just after she and her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, attended the final days of Rodeo Houston 2025. The couple embracing their Texas roots, dressed in cowboy-inspired outfits and enjoyed the festivities.
Biles, who recently turned 28, has been sharing glimpses of her eventful month on social media, from rodeo celebrations to her trip to Baton Rouge. With a busy schedule ahead, Biles’ LSU trip was a brief but memorable stop. Whether performing gravity-defying routines or marveling at a tiger, she continues to capture the admiration of fans wherever she goes.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, is no stranger to jaw-dropping moments. But her recent visit to Louisiana State University (LSU) left even her in total disbelief. Whether it was the warm welcome, an unexpected surprise, or an emotional connection, something at LSU truly took Biles by surprise. In this article, we’ll break down everything that happened during Simone Biles’ visit, why it was so special, and how it left a lasting impact on fans, athletes, and the gymnastics community.
Why Was Simone Biles at LSU?
Biles’ visit to LSU wasn’t just a random stop—it had a deeper significance. Here’s why she was there:
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Supporting LSU Gymnastics: The LSU Tigers have built a powerhouse gymnastics program, and Biles has strong ties with some of the athletes.
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Personal Connections: Her husband, Jonathan Owens, played college football at Missouri, making college sports a big part of their lives.
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Inspiration for Young Athletes: Biles is a role model, and her presence at LSU was a motivational moment for gymnasts and sports enthusiasts alike.
The Moment That Left Simone Biles in Shock
So, what exactly happened at LSU that stunned Simone Biles?
1. An Electrifying Standing Ovation
As soon as she walked into the arena, the entire crowd erupted into a thunderous standing ovation. LSU fans, gymnasts, and even the coaching staff honored her achievements in a way that caught her off guard.
2. A Heartfelt Tribute Video
Before the meet began, LSU played a tribute video showcasing Biles’ incredible career, from her Olympic victories to her advocacy for mental health. The emotional montage left her visibly moved.
3. A Surprise From LSU Gymnasts
The LSU gymnastics team choreographed a special routine in Biles’ honor, incorporating some of her signature moves. She couldn’t believe the effort and creativity they put into the tribute!
4. A Personalized Gift From LSU Athletics
As a token of appreciation, LSU presented Biles with a customized LSU jersey with her name and the number “1” on the back, symbolizing her GOAT status.
Simone Biles’ Reaction: “I Wasn’t Expecting This!”
Biles took to social media right after the event, sharing how overwhelmed and grateful she felt. In an Instagram story, she wrote:
“I literally have no words… LSU, you got me good! Thank you for the love, the energy, and the beautiful tribute. I’ll never forget this night.”
Her husband, Jonathan Owens, also commented, saying, “This is what happens when greatness walks in the room!”
LSU Gymnastics and Simone Biles: A Strong Connection
Biles has been an inspiration to many young gymnasts at LSU, and her visit strengthened the bond between her and the program. Here’s how:
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LSU gymnasts look up to her – Many of them grew up watching Biles and credit her for inspiring their gymnastics journeys.
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A shared competitive spirit – LSU’s gymnastics team has a history of elite performances, something Biles admires.
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A mutual love for the sport – Both Biles and LSU are passionate about taking gymnastics to new heights.
The Impact of Simone Biles’ Visit on LSU Athletes
Her presence alone had a huge impact on LSU gymnasts, but it went beyond just motivation:
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Inspiring the next generation: Many young athletes felt an extra boost of confidence after seeing Biles in person.
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Strengthening LSU’s gymnastics culture: Her visit highlighted LSU’s growing status in the NCAA gymnastics scene.
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A reminder of perseverance: Biles’ story of overcoming challenges resonated deeply with the team.
Simone Biles and NCAA Gymnastics: A Perfect Match?
Could Simone Biles ever get involved with NCAA gymnastics? It’s an interesting thought, and here’s why it might happen:
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Coaching Possibilities: Biles has the knowledge and experience to mentor young gymnasts.
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Advocacy for Mental Health in College Sports: She could use her platform to push for better mental health resources in NCAA athletics.
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Supporting Young Talent: She’s already shown interest in college gymnastics, so an ambassador role wouldn’t be surprising.
How LSU Continues to Elevate NCAA Gymnastics
LSU has been making waves in college gymnastics, and Biles’ visit just added to their momentum. Here’s how they’re becoming a dominant force:
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Top-tier recruiting: LSU consistently attracts some of the best young gymnasts.
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A passionate fanbase: The energy in their arena rivals that of major professional sports.
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An elite coaching staff: They focus on both performance and athlete well-being.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
Simone Biles’ visit to LSU wasn’t just another stop—it was an unforgettable moment for her, the athletes, and fans alike. From emotional tributes to a roaring ovation, the night was filled with surprises that left Biles in awe.
Her presence at LSU only strengthened the university’s gymnastics culture and proved just how much of an impact she continues to have on the sport.
