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.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of her generation, grabbed the spotlight at the ESPY Awards in a way only she can — not once, but twice. Winning two trophies in one night is a big deal, but what made the moment even more powerful was what she said backstage. In this article, we dive deep into Simone’s raw, heartfelt reaction behind the scenes, unpack the meaning, and explore why her words resonated with so many.
1. The Big Night: Simone’s Two ESPYs
1.1 What Awards Did She Win?
Simone Biles took home Best Championship Performance and Best Female Athlete at the 2025 ESPY Awards.
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The Championship Performance award recognized her outstanding showing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she earned three golds and a silver.
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The Best Female Athlete award capped off the night, adding to her impressive ESPY tally — this was her second time winning that honor.
1.2 Why It’s Historic
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She beat out some of sports’ biggest names – Stephen Curry, Freddie Freeman, and Rory McIlroy.
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This moment wasn’t just another award — it was a celebration of her resilience and comeback after mental health struggles.
2. The Surprise Element: Simone’s First Reaction
2.1 A Genuine Shock
Backstage, Simone admitted she was taken aback:
“That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men.”
It wasn’t just humility — it was honesty. She knew the weight of competing against male-dominated nominees.
2.2 Public Affection
Right after she won, she shared a touching moment with her husband, Jonathan Owens, underscoring how meaningful the win was.
3. Gratitude and Acknowledgment
3.1 Thanking Her Inner Circle
Simone made it a point to highlight those who stood by her: teammates, coaches, family, and fans.
“I wouldn’t be standing here without all of you.”
She emphasized that her journey has never been a solo mission.
3.2 The Power of Support
She praised having a support system that shows up not only during wins but also during struggles:
“Having a strong support system … who are willing to show up for you, not just when you’re winning, but when you’re struggling, too, is really important.”
It’s a reminder: to be great isn’t just about talent; it’s about having people who believe in you through thick and thin.
4. Simone’s Bigger Message: Power, Unity, and “She”
4.1 A Bold Closing Line
At the end of her speech, Simone dropped a memorable line:
“I believe in the power of sport, the power of us, and, of course, the power of she.”
That phrase — “the power of she” — struck a chord. It’s not just poetic; it’s a rallying cry.
4.2 Backlash and Praise
Her comment wasn’t without controversy. Some fans reacted strongly online, debating its meaning and implications.
But others saw it as a powerful assertion: celebrating female strength, togetherness, and identity.
5. Why Simone’s Backstage Words Mattered
5.1 A Symbol of Resilience
Simone’s words resonate because they reflect her journey — not just her victories, but her perseverance. After battling mental health challenges in Tokyo, she returned stronger.
5.2 Inspiring a Generation
By giving credit to her team and support system, she models humility. By speaking about “power” and “she,” she offers a message of empowerment to girls and women everywhere.
5.3 Sparking Conversation
Her lyrical line “power of she” has sparked debates about gender, identity, and what it means in sports. That’s the kind of conversation champions inspire.
6. Context: The Road Before the ESPYs
6.1 Paris 2024 Triumph
At the Paris Olympics, Simone dominated, winning three gold medals (vault, all-around, team) and a silver in floor exercise.
This performance was a high note in her career comeback.
6.2 Mental Health Break
Her journey after Tokyo wasn’t easy. She withdrew from events due to what is often called “the twisties,” a mental block many gymnasts face.
That struggle — and her ability to rebound — makes her ESPY wins even more meaningful.
7. The Aftermath: Reactions to Her Backstage Words
7.1 From Fans
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Some hailed her final line as “fierce and feminist.”
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Others felt she was being too vague, or even politically charged.
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Regardless of the divide, the phrase “power of she” has become a talking point.
7.2 From Media and Critics
Media outlets covered her win not just for the awards, but for her sincerity and depth. Her commentary created buzz across sports and social commentary platforms.
8. What This Says About Simone’s Legacy
8.1 Beyond Gymnastics
Simone isn’t just a gymnast; she’s a cultural icon. Her words hint that she’s aware of the platform she holds and the impact she can make.
8.2 A Role Model for Vulnerability
By openly celebrating her support system and admitting surprise, she shows strength through vulnerability. That’s rare in elite sports.
8.3 Empowerment Through Identity
Her “power of she” message is more than symbolic — it’s part of her identity and brand. It’s about affirming feminine strength and community.
9. How Other Athletes Can Learn From Her
9.1 Use Your Voice
Simone shows that athletes can — and should — speak from the heart. Whether it’s gratitude, surprise, or empowerment, your words matter.
9.2 Acknowledge Your Team
She didn’t try to carry the win alone; she made it a shared moment. Athletes often lean on others — and admitting that builds authenticity.
9.3 Embrace Your Platform
Her closing line wasn’t just catchy; it was intentional. Think about how you can use your own platform to support bigger conversations.
10. Questions Raised by Her Backstage Moment
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What does “the power of she” mean to Simone, personally?
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Will this phrase become part of her brand or activism?
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How will fans and the public interpret her words in the long run?
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Does this moment signal a shift in how athletes talk about gender and identity?
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Could this inspire more athletes to be poetic — or political — in their acceptance speeches?
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ backstage words after winning two ESPYs went beyond a simple thank-you. She revealed humility, surprise, gratitude, and a powerful affirmation of her identity with that unforgettable line: “the power of she.” In just a few moments, she captured the complexity of her journey — from struggle to triumph — and delivered a message that inspired and stirred conversation.
Her backstage reaction reminds us that greatness isn’t just about medals. It’s about the community that lifts you, the challenges you overcome, and the clarity you speak when all eyes are on you. Simone’s legacy isn’t only her flips and vaults — it’s in her voice, her vulnerability, and her bold embrace of empowerment.
