The hottest summer event in the sports world wasn’t on a pitch or inside a stadium, it was at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles Wednesday night, where the best athletes and entertainers gathered to celebrate the top moments in sports at The 2025 ESPYS.
Shane Gillis’ ESPYS monologue
Comedian, actor and writer Shane Gillis delivered a sharp opening monologue as host, taking shots at the star-studded crowd and poking fun at everyone from Aaron Rodgers and Bill Belichick to Simone Biles and Shohei Ohtani. Despite a quip that likened Biles to a leprechaun for all her Olympic gold medals, the 28-year-old gymnast won even more hardware Wednesday night to add to her collection of accolades.
Simone Biles wins big at ESPYS, behind the scenes moments with top athletes
Biles took home two ESPYS on the night: best championship performance for her all-around win at the Paris Olympics and best athlete – women’s sports. “It was very unexpected tonight, because the athletes in this room are absolutely phenomenal, and they’re raising the bar each and every year,” Biles told “Good Morning America” backstage.
Biles told “GMA” later that despite performing on the largest global stages regularly as a gymnast, accepting an award onstage “is so nerve-racking.” “It’s definitely not like performing. I’d rather do a million beam routines in a row than to be up there and giving a speech,” she said. Elsewhere on Wednesday night, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named best athlete – men’s sports following an amazing NBA season that concluded with an NBA Championship and MVP title. “I want to thank the Thunder organization for allowing me to be me, be a basketball player and make my dreams come true,” he said in his acceptance speech. The Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles also won best team at the awards ceremony for their decisive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year, stopping the repeat Super Bowl champs from a three-peat.
Women’s sports shine at the ESPYS
All night, women’s sports were firmly in the spotlight with an array of longtime legends and up-and-comers alike. Team USA rugby star Ilona Maher took home the award for best breakthrough athlete and used the moment to reiterate her goal of empowering women. “My message stays the same: Strong is beautiful, strong is powerful. It’s sexy. It’s whatever you want it to be,” Maher said in her acceptance speech. “I hope more girls can feel how I feel.”
Maher told “GMA” that the best moment for her has been “when girls come up to me and say I’ve changed them — they look up to me.” “I think that’s the reason I do it and why I’m going to keep doing it,” she continued. “That hopefully I’m changing their lives and helping them.” WNBA legend Diana Taurasi and retired Olympic soccer star and World Cup Champion Alex Morgan were both honored with the Icon Award, giving each other their proverbial flowers by hailing the others’ success and athletic ability.
The Night Simone Biles Owned the ESPYS
Simone Biles is no stranger to gold medals, standing ovations, or tear-jerking victories. But on ESPYS night, she wasn’t flipping through the air—she was standing tall, not just as a gymnast, but as a voice, a leader, and a symbol of unwavering strength. Winning two ESPYS in one night wasn’t just another accolade. It was a moment. And what she said backstage afterward? It was raw, real, and absolutely unforgettable.
Simone Biles’ ESPYS Wins—A Quick Recap
Which Awards Did She Take Home?
On this emotional evening, Simone Biles took home:
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Best Comeback Athlete
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Best Female Athlete
These weren’t just trophies—they were recognition of her resilience, her return to the sport, and everything she’s fought for along the way.
Backstage Moments That Weren’t Televised
Cameras Off, Honesty On
The stage may have been where the lights shined brightest, but it was backstage where Simone Biles truly let her heart speak. And she didn’t hold back.
Her First Words? “This Is for Every Girl Who Felt Broken.”
That was it. The first sentence out of her mouth backstage. And instantly, the room went silent.
She wasn’t talking about medals or routines. She was talking about healing, about resilience, about rising again when the world thought you were done.
Breaking Down Her Backstage Statement
“This Is for Every Girl Who Felt Broken”
Let’s pause here. That sentence hit differently, didn’t it? It wasn’t rehearsed. It wasn’t part of any press kit. It was real.
A Message for Survivors
Simone has been vocal about her trauma, especially after speaking out during the Larry Nassar abuse scandal. This line was more than a quote—it was a shoutout to every survivor who’s trying to rebuild.
Mental Health Was Front and Center
“Taking Care of Myself Was My Greatest Victory”
Another standout quote backstage: “Taking care of myself was my greatest victory.”
Boom. Another mic drop.
She wasn’t just talking about stepping away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She was normalizing the idea that stepping back can be a form of strength.
The Real MVP Move? Vulnerability
Why Fans Love Her More Than Ever
Simone Biles has gone from being “just” the GOAT to being a cultural icon—someone who doesn’t just win, but stands up for what matters.
Her backstage comments made people cry. Not because she was being dramatic, but because she was being human.
The Role Model the World Needs
Inspiring the Next Generation
Backstage, Simone added, “If one little girl sees this and knows she’s enough, I’ve done my job.”
Can we take a second to appreciate that?
She knows her power. And she’s using it to uplift others, not just dominate the sport.
Why Simone’s ESPYS Night Will Be Remembered
Not Just for the Wins—But for the Words
Sure, she’s racking up awards like it’s nothing. But the legacy she’s building isn’t made of medals. It’s made of moments like these—real, heartfelt, unforgettable.
Reactions Pour In From Fans and Celebs
Twitter Exploded After Her Backstage Words
The internet went wild:
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“Simone Biles just reminded the world why she’s the GOAT. 🐐 #ESPYS”
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“That backstage quote? Chills. Literal chills.”
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“Simone Biles is the voice this generation needs.”
Fellow Athletes Weigh In
Even other athletes couldn’t hold back:
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Serena Williams: “Proud of you, always.”
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Michael Phelps: “Mental health matters. Thank you for leading by example.”
Why This Moment Matters More Than Gold
Simone’s Bigger Win Was Off the Stage
Anyone can win a trophy. But not everyone can inspire millions with a sentence.
What Simone said backstage was more than a reaction—it was a message. One that will echo far beyond the ESPYS.
How She’s Redefining What It Means to Win
It’s Not About Perfection Anymore
In the past, athletes were told to be tough, silent, emotionless. Simone Biles is flipping that narrative—literally and figuratively.
Her story is about balance, not just on the beam, but in life.
A Look Into the Future—What’s Next for Simone Biles?
More Than Gymnastics
She’s hinted at more advocacy work, and yes—Paris 2024 is still on the radar.
But no matter what she does next, her voice is now just as powerful as her skills.
Why Her ESPYS Night Touched So Many
We Saw the Athlete—And the Human
Simone reminded us that real strength is multifaceted. You can be broken and still rise. You can pause and still win.
She showed up for every person who’s ever felt invisible, and gave them a spotlight.
Final Words—What We Can All Take From Simone’s Moment
Whether you’re an athlete, an artist, a student, or someone just trying to make it through the day—Simone Biles’ backstage words remind us of this:
You are enough. Even when you’re healing. Especially then.
