Put your mint juleps in the air because the greatest of all time in U.S. Women’s Gymnastics will get the party started at the 151st Run for the Roses on May 3 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. 11-time Olympic medalist and 30-time World Champion medalist Simone Biles is set to give the ‘Riders Up’ command for the field of 18 jockeys to mount their three-year-old thoroughbred horses at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown. LSU gymnast and social media star Livvy Dunne will give the command at the 2025 Kentucky Oaks on May 2. Three-time NFL Super Bowl Champion Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the last athlete to earn the honor at the 2023 Derby.
Simone Biles Knows Something About Victory
Biles is coming off a record-setting spree in 2024 after winning four Olympic medals at the Paris Games, bringing her total medal count to 11 with seven gold, two silver and two bronze. And she’s also won 30 medals at World Championships, with 23 of those being gold. The powerhouse athlete was recognized for her feats as the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated, one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential for 2025, the 2025 Athlete of the Year and Moment of the Year by Houston Sports Awards and was also nominated for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award in 2025.
When two of the most influential athletes in the world unite at one of America’s most iconic events, the spotlight isn’t just bright—it’s blinding. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, and Livvy Dunne, the TikTok sensation and LSU gymnastics star, are set to call “Riders Up!” at the 2024 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks—and the internet is absolutely loving it. Let’s dive into why this moment is way bigger than just a couple of words shouted before a horse race.
What Does “Riders Up!” Even Mean?
“Riders Up!” is the traditional command that signals jockeys to mount their horses in the paddock before heading to the track. It’s iconic. It’s ceremonial. And it’s usually reserved for people with clout. So, when Simone and Livvy were tapped for the honor, it wasn’t random—it was revolutionary.
Why Simone Biles and Livvy Dunne?
Star Power Meets Social Impact
These women aren’t just athletic beasts—they’re cultural icons. Simone’s a symbol of resilience and mental health advocacy. Livvy? She’s redefining how female athletes thrive in the world of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. Together, they’re a masterclass in empowerment, influence, and media mastery.
Gen Z Influence at a Classic Event
The Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition, but Biles and Dunne bring a breath of fresh, youthful energy. This is a play to connect with younger generations, and let’s be real—it’s working.
A Kentucky Derby First You Didn’t See Coming
Having two female athletes command the attention at this level during Derby Weekend is historic. Not only are they calling “Riders Up!”—they’re making a statement: the Derby isn’t just for horses, hats, and bourbon anymore.
Who Are Simone Biles and Livvy Dunne? (In Case You’ve Been Living Under a Rock)
Simone Biles – The GOAT of Gymnastics
With seven Olympic medals and a growing list of championship titles, Simone isn’t just a gymnast—she’s a movement. She’s battled through pressure, media scrutiny, and even her own mental health challenges to stay at the top of her game.
Livvy Dunne – TikTok Star & NCAA Gymnastics Queen
Livvy Dunne isn’t just famous—she’s internet famous. With millions of followers and a lucrative NIL portfolio, she’s rewriting what it means to be a college athlete in the social media era.
What This Means for Women in Sports
This moment is so much more than a photo op. It’s about celebrating female athleticism, visibility, and unapologetic ambition. They’re not just calling “Riders Up”—they’re calling up a new era of women leading the charge.
How to Watch This Viral Moment Live
Event Dates & Streaming Info
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Kentucky Oaks: Friday, May 3, 2024
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Kentucky Derby: Saturday, May 4, 2024
NBC will have full coverage, and trust us—you’ll want to see the exact moment Biles and Dunne take center stage.
Fashion, Fame, and Fierce Energy
You already know the Kentucky Derby is as much about fashion as it is about racing. Expect Simone and Livvy to show up and show out—setting trends, snapping selfies, and owning the red carpet (or should we say green paddock?).
Why the Internet Is Losing It Right Now
A quick scroll through Twitter or TikTok shows just how much hype this pairing has generated. Fans are freaking out (in the best way), brands are swooping in for collabs, and the Derby just went from niche to must-watch content.
The Derby organizers are playing chess, not checkers. They knew that bringing in these two would mean viral engagement, millions of eyeballs, and a fresh narrative. It’s not just a race—it’s a spectacle now.
Strategic Representation at Work
Let’s be real—diversity and representation matter. Choosing Simone, a Black woman, and Livvy, a social media superstar, reflects the shifting demographics of sports fans today. It’s inclusion with impact.
Derby Day Just Got a Lot More Interesting
Imagine sipping a mint julep while watching two of the biggest names in sports launch the world’s most famous horse race. That’s not just entertainment—that’s history in the making.
What Could This Mean for Future Derby Traditions?
Don’t be surprised if this sets a new standard. Next year? We might see more athletes, influencers, and change-makers take the reins (literally and figuratively).
The Biles-Dunne Effect – More Than Just a Moment
This moment will spark inspiration for young girls watching at home. It sends a loud message: You can dominate your sport, build a brand, and have fun doing it—all while making history.
Conclusion: A Cultural Shift in the Winner’s Circle
Simone Biles and Livvy Dunne aren’t just guests at the Kentucky Derby—they’re a symbol of evolution. This isn’t about horses and hats anymore—it’s about highlighting modern icons in timeless traditions. Their presence is proof that sports, style, and storytelling are now forever linked.
They didn’t just call “Riders Up!”—they called the world to attention.
