Iconic gymnast Simone Biles expressed genuine disbelief after the list for Emmys 2025 nominations was announced. On Tuesday, the Television Academy unveiled the shows and celebrities competing for the prestigious ceremony. From returning favorites to fresh new faces, the 77th annual Emmy Awards promised an exciting celebration of television’s best. Among the lineup of nominated shows is Netflix’s Simone Biles Rising, which received a nod for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.
The show will be competing against Chef’s Table, 100 Foot Wave, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night and Social Studies for the same category. The two-part series offers an intimate look into the journey of a 28-year-old Olympian who navigates personal challenges amid her relentless pursuit of greatness in sports and what has made her the most decorated gymnast in history.
Following the release in 2024, the Netflix documentary scored recognition on the highly acclaimed Emmy stage, leaving Biles both humbled and deeply moved. In an Instagram Story, the two-time Olympian reposted a post from Religion of Sports, the media company behind the documentary series, and delivered a two-word reaction to the major recognition. “STOP IT,” she wrote, adding screaming face emojis that represent her overwhelming excitement.
When you think of Simone Biles, you picture gravity-defying flips, record-breaking Olympic moments, and her name etched in gymnastics history. But recently, the world’s most decorated gymnast found herself in disbelief—not over a new medal, but because of an unexpected Emmy announcement that left fans buzzing.
This story isn’t just about sports or Hollywood—it’s about how one athlete’s influence has stretched far beyond the gym and into the heart of pop culture. Let’s dive into what happened, why Simone was so stunned, and how this moment is redefining her legacy.
Who Is Simone Biles and Why Does This Matter?
Simone Biles isn’t just any athlete; she’s a cultural icon. With 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, she’s already secured her place as one of the greatest athletes of all time. But what makes this Emmy news so remarkable is that it shows just how far her influence extends.
When someone like Biles reacts with shock, the world pays attention.
The Shocking Emmy Announcement
So, what exactly happened? During the recent Emmy Awards announcement, a project linked to Simone Biles received unexpected recognition. Whether it was a documentary, a special feature, or her guest appearances in television programming, the nomination signaled one clear message: Simone Biles’ story is bigger than gymnastics.
And when the news broke? Simone’s response was pure disbelief.
Why Was Simone Biles So Surprised?
Unlike actors or directors, Simone isn’t used to Hollywood recognition. She dominates arenas, not red carpets. So, hearing her name tied to Emmy buzz felt surreal—even for someone who’s used to standing on the world’s biggest stages.
Her reaction highlighted an important truth: fame in sports doesn’t always translate into recognition in entertainment. Yet here she is, breaking barriers once again.
Athletes Crossing Into Hollywood
Simone isn’t the first athlete to cross into the entertainment spotlight. Think of Michael Jordan’s The Last Dance or Serena Williams’ appearances in documentaries and commercials. What sets Simone apart is the timing—her Emmy nod comes while she’s still actively competing and redefining what it means to be an athlete.
It’s like she’s balancing two balance beams: one in sports, one in media. And she’s nailing the landing on both.
How Simone’s Story Became Emmy-Worthy
What makes Simone’s life so cinematic? Her story is layered with triumph, adversity, and resilience:
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Overcoming Challenges: From struggles with mental health to the pressure of representing a nation, her journey is relatable and inspiring.
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Cultural Impact: Simone isn’t just a gymnast; she’s a symbol of strength, courage, and standing up for what’s right.
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Visual Storytelling: Whether through documentaries or televised specials, her performances and personal battles are built for the screen.
Put simply, Simone’s life plays out like a blockbuster—and Hollywood finally noticed.
The Power of Representation
Representation matters, and Simone knows it. Seeing a young Black woman dominate not only in sports but also earn recognition in the entertainment industry is monumental. It sends a clear message to future generations: your story is valuable, no matter where it’s told.
Social Media Explodes with Reactions
As soon as the announcement hit, social media lit up. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok with messages of excitement. Memes popped up comparing Simone’s jaw-dropping flips to her jaw-dropping Emmy shock.
The common theme? Everyone agreed: if anyone deserves this recognition, it’s Simone.
The Crossover of Sports and Entertainment
The line between sports and entertainment keeps getting blurrier. From LeBron James producing films to Tom Brady appearing in Hollywood projects, today’s athletes are building legacies outside their sport.
Simone Biles joining this crossover proves she’s not just playing the game—she’s changing it.
Simone’s Humility Shines Through
Despite the glitz of Emmy nominations, Simone’s reaction remained humble. Instead of basking in fame, she expressed disbelief, gratitude, and even a touch of humor. That humility is part of why fans love her—she’s relatable even while achieving the extraordinary.
What This Means for Simone’s Future
Could this Emmy recognition open new doors for Simone? Possibly. Whether it’s future documentaries, brand collaborations, or even acting roles, her name now carries weight in both sports and entertainment.
The world may soon see Simone Biles not just on the balance beam but also behind the camera or on streaming platforms.
Why This Moment Matters Culturally
This isn’t just about one Emmy announcement. It’s about recognizing that athletes like Simone Biles are cultural storytellers. Their journeys inspire, entertain, and spark important conversations. By honoring Simone, the Emmy spotlight acknowledges the power of her story in shaping today’s culture.
The Ripple Effect on Other Athletes
Simone’s Emmy news doesn’t just affect her. It opens doors for other athletes whose stories deserve recognition. From Naomi Osaka’s mental health advocacy to Sha’Carri Richardson’s resilience, the entertainment industry may begin valuing athletic narratives even more.
Fans Rally Behind Simone
What makes this moment so powerful is the fan reaction. People feel personally connected to Simone’s journey. When she’s shocked, they’re shocked. When she celebrates, they celebrate. It’s this emotional bond that makes her Emmy recognition feel like a win for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Simone Biles’ Legacy Expands
Simone Biles being in disbelief over a major Emmy announcement shows us something important: greatness isn’t confined to one stage. Whether she’s flipping through the air or inspiring audiences through storytelling, Simone proves that her influence has no limits.
She may have started as a gymnast, but now she’s stepping into an even bigger role—a cultural icon whose story resonates in every corner of society.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ stunned reaction to the Emmy announcement is more than a viral moment—it’s a reminder of her extraordinary journey. She’s breaking barriers, shattering ceilings, and proving that her story isn’t just about medals but about inspiring millions.
From the mat to the media, Simone continues to redefine what it means to be a champion. And honestly? She’s just getting started.
FAQs
1. Why was Simone Biles shocked about the Emmy announcement?
She wasn’t expecting Hollywood recognition, as she’s primarily known for her gymnastics career, making the news a genuine surprise.
2. What project earned Simone Biles Emmy attention?
While details vary, it was linked to a documentary or special that highlighted her story and impact beyond sports.
3. Has Simone Biles ever been nominated for awards outside of gymnastics before?
Yes, she has received sports-related honors and cultural awards, but Emmy recognition is a whole new level.
4. How are fans reacting to the Emmy news?
Fans are thrilled, flooding social media with excitement and support, celebrating her achievement as if it were their own.
5. What does this mean for Simone’s future?
It could open new opportunities in media, storytelling, and entertainment, expanding her influence beyond gymnastics.
