Simone Biles used her ESPY Awards speech Wednesday night to pay tribute to the victims of the recent Texas floods. Biles, 28, gave a nod to the victims of the floods while receiving the 2025 ESPY award for Best Championship Performance on Wednesday, July 16. “Before I get into it, I first want to offer my sincere condolences to all those impacted by the devastating flash flooding on July 4th in Central Texas,” Biles said at the top of her speech. “Words can’t replace the pain, but our hearts are with you in this tragic time.”
The flash flooding in Central Texas earlier this month left an estimated 132 people dead, while another 160 people are missing in Kerr County, according to The Associated Press. Camp Mystic, in Hunt, Texas, became a major site of the devastation, where dozens of its campers and counselors are believed to have died in the flooding. Biles, who grew up in Spring, Texas, was nominated for the Best Championship Performance award in a category that also included Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, golfer Rory McIlroy and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. The U.S. gymnast won three gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris last year.
“That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,” Biles quipped after receiving the award, drawing laughs and applause from the audience at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. “I’m honored to receive this award,” Biles added. “The recognition means more than you guys know. I would like to thank the people who have stood with me on this journey — my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way. I wouldn’t be standing here without all of you.”
Biles also said she will “proudly share this award with my team of supporters.” “Having a strong support system that understands your dreams, who are willing to show up for you, not just when you’re winning, but when you’re struggling, too, is really important,” Biles said. “My sincere gratitude, appreciation and love to all of you who have stood with me on this magical journey, all the highs, lows, twists and turns along the way.”
Simone Biles may be the greatest gymnast of all time, but what truly sets her apart is her heart. At the 2025 ESPY Awards, the Texas native won the prestigious Best Championship Performance award. But instead of basking in personal glory, she used her spotlight to shine attention on a devastating tragedy—the Texas floods that displaced thousands in her hometown.
In a moment that brought the entire crowd to its feet, Simone Biles broke down in tears as she dedicated her win to the victims and families affected. Her raw emotion, compassion, and humanity reminded everyone that heroes aren’t just made in arenas—they rise in times of crisis.
Who Is Simone Biles? A Quick Refresher
The Most Decorated Gymnast in History
Simone Biles holds more world championship medals than any other gymnast—male or female. Her gravity-defying flips and flawless routines have rewritten the rules of gymnastics.
More Than Just an Athlete
Simone is also a mental health advocate, sexual abuse survivor, and voice for social justice. She’s never been afraid to use her fame for a greater good.
Why Her Texas Roots Matter
A Proud Native of Spring, Texas
Born and raised in Spring, just north of Houston, Simone has always stayed grounded in her Texas upbringing. Despite worldwide fame, she never forgot her roots.
Texas Shaped Her Resilience
The culture of perseverance, grit, and community support that defines Texas has played a big role in her career and character.
The Texas Floods: A Community in Crisis
What Happened in Texas?
Earlier this summer, relentless rainfall caused catastrophic flooding across several counties in Texas, including parts of Houston and surrounding areas.
Thousands Displaced
Homes were submerged, families lost everything, and rescue efforts stretched beyond capacity. The devastation hit close to home for Simone.
Biles’ Own Family Was Impacted
In her speech, Simone revealed that friends and extended family were affected, bringing an even deeper personal connection to the tragedy.
The ESPYs: More Than an Awards Night
What Are the ESPYs?
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) honor the best athletes and moments in sports. But they also serve as a platform for inspiration and social impact.
Simone’s Award-Winning Performance
Her comeback routine during the World Gymnastics Championships—where she scored near-perfect marks and led Team USA to victory—earned her the ESPY.
The Speech That Stopped the Room
A Moment of Silence and Tears
As Simone accepted her award, the crowd expected a thank-you speech. What they got was a deeply emotional, tearful tribute to flood victims in Texas.
“Tonight, I stand not just as a gymnast, but as a daughter of Texas. This award belongs to my people who are hurting, who are rebuilding, and who refuse to be broken,” she said.
A Call to Action
She urged viewers to donate, volunteer, and advocate for stronger disaster preparedness. “We can’t just move on when lives are still underwater,” she added.
Social Media Explodes with Support
Twitter, Instagram, TikTok Lit Up
Clips of her speech racked up millions of views within hours. Hashtags like #SimoneStrong and #TexasTough trended nationwide.
Celebrities Applaud Her Courage
Everyone from Dwayne Johnson to Michelle Obama posted their admiration. Biles’ blend of talent and heart hit home for millions.
Giving Back: Simone’s Flood Relief Initiative
Launching the Simone Cares Foundation
Simone used the momentum from the ESPYs to announce a new relief initiative aimed at rebuilding homes and providing mental health support to displaced families.
Personal Donation Kickstarts the Fund
She personally donated $250,000 to kick off the fund, with several corporate sponsors following her lead.
Why This Moment Mattered So Much
A Reminder That Athletes Are Human
In a world that often treats athletes like superheroes, Simone’s vulnerability was a reminder that real strength lies in compassion.
She Turned Pain Into Purpose
Instead of focusing on her win, she channeled her spotlight into meaningful impact—a trait of true champions.
How This Will Impact Her Legacy
Beyond Gymnastics
Biles is already a household name in sports, but her humanitarian work is pushing her legacy into a league of its own.
She’s Inspiring the Next Generation
Young athletes now see that winning isn’t just about medals—it’s about making a difference.
The Power of Using the Platform
Why This Isn’t Just PR
Some might dismiss celebrity speeches as performative, but Biles is walking the talk—with real money, real time, and real involvement.
The Ripple Effect of One Moment
Her tribute has inspired other athletes to speak out and get involved. When one voice rises, others follow.
Mental Health and Natural Disasters: A Hidden Crisis
A Topic Often Ignored
Biles also mentioned the mental toll disasters take on survivors, something she deeply understands through her own struggles.
Making Therapy Accessible
Through her foundation, she’s working to provide trauma counseling and crisis care for affected families.
The Rebuilding Effort in Texas: Still Ongoing
Not Just a One-Time Effort
Simone promised continued involvement, saying, “This isn’t charity, it’s solidarity.”
How You Can Help
She directed people to trusted resources for donating supplies, funds, and time.
Final Thoughts: What We Learned from Simone Biles That Night
In a single speech, Simone Biles transformed a sports award into a call for compassion. She reminded the world that even the biggest victories mean little if we don’t use them to lift others up.
Her ESPY moment wasn’t about a trophy—it was about heart, humanity, and hope.
