Houston’s own Simone Biles is expected to walk the red carpet tonight at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles for the 2025 ESPY Awards. Biles, a previous winner, is nominated in two categories: Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Championship Performance.
The Olympic icon is four out of four for nominations and wins at the annual ESPYs, where the sports world gathers to recognize athletes in multiple categories for their individual, team and career achievements for the year and overall. Biles, who is the most decorated gymnast in history and a six-time individual all-around champion in world competition, has taken home 11 Olympic medals, seven of which are gold, according to Olympics.com.
Biles’s first ESPY wins came after winning four Olympic gold medals during the 2016 Summer Olympics, the most for an American gymnast during a single Olympic game. Biles, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, was raised in the Houston suburb of Spring, and honed her skills while training and competing in the region’s rich gymnastics tradition under coach Martha Karolyi at the famed and controversial Karolyi Ranch founded by Bela and Martha Karolyi. The ESPYs is a fan-focused awards show produced by ESPN and first aired on the channel in 1993. After an ESPN committee chooses the finalists, the public votes to determine the winners in the categories.
Simone Biles is back in the spotlight, and this time, she’s doing it with style, grace, and two major ESPY nominations. Known as the greatest gymnast of all time, Biles’ return to the ESPYs has not only reignited excitement in the sports world but also inspired millions who admire her journey of resilience and excellence. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Simone Biles’ ESPY comeback, what her nominations mean, and why her story is bigger than just sports.
Simone Biles isn’t just another gymnast. She’s a living legend. With seven Olympic medals, 25 World Championship titles, and countless firsts in gymnastics, she has earned her crown as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). But her influence goes far beyond her flips and twists — she has become a global icon for resilience, advocacy, and redefining what it means to be an athlete.
The Significance of the ESPY Awards
For those unfamiliar, the ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards) honor the best athletes, teams, and sports moments. Winning an ESPY isn’t just about stats — it’s about recognition from fans, peers, and the entire sports industry.
For Simone Biles to return with two big nominations isn’t just symbolic; it’s proof that her impact continues to shape the sports world.
Simone Biles’ Return to the ESPYs
After stepping back from parts of the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health, many wondered how Biles would balance her career and personal life. Fast forward, and she’s back — not only competing but also standing tall among the world’s greatest athletes at the ESPYs.
Her presence alone sends a powerful message: resilience wins.
Her Two Major ESPY Nominations
Simone Biles secured two prestigious nominations this year:
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Best Athlete, Women’s Sports
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Best Comeback Athlete
These categories highlight both her consistent dominance and her inspiring journey back to peak performance. Few athletes in history have embodied both excellence and resilience the way Simone has.
Why Fans Are Celebrating Her Comeback
Fans aren’t just cheering because Biles is nominated. They’re celebrating because her return symbolizes courage. She chose her mental health over medals in Tokyo — a decision that shocked the world but sparked important conversations. Now, her ESPY nominations feel like the world’s way of saying, “We see you, we support you, and we’re proud of you.”
Simone’s Journey of Resilience
Think about it — most athletes face physical challenges, but Simone faced the invisible opponent: her mental health. By being vulnerable, she broke down barriers in sports culture, proving that strength isn’t just about muscle; it’s about mindset.
Her journey reminds us that comebacks aren’t always about winning gold — sometimes, they’re about winning yourself back.
Mental Health Advocacy and Its Impact
Simone Biles didn’t just step away in Tokyo; she started a movement. Athletes across sports began speaking up about mental health, and fans started having real conversations. Her decision showed that protecting your well-being doesn’t make you weak — it makes you unstoppable.
Her ESPY nod for Best Comeback Athlete directly honors this impact.
How Biles Redefined Gymnastics
Before Simone, gymnastics was already a tough sport. But she elevated it into something otherworldly. She invented skills so complex that they were named after her. Judges had to create new scoring categories just to keep up.
Her return to the ESPYs isn’t just about one night; it’s about honoring the way she reshaped an entire sport.
Why Her ESPY Return Matters in 2025
Why does it matter so much now? Because 2025 isn’t just another year. It’s the prelude to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where Simone could once again inspire the next generation. Her ESPY spotlight proves she’s not slowing down — she’s gearing up for another historic run.
Public Reaction on Social Media
Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok lit up the moment her nominations were announced. Fans called her “the queen,” “the standard,” and “the definition of resilience.” Hashtags like #SimoneBilesESPYs and #GOAT began trending.
Clearly, this isn’t just about an award show — it’s about a cultural moment.
Simone Biles vs. Other Nominees
Of course, Simone isn’t the only superstar nominated. Other world-class athletes stand beside her. But let’s be honest — few have combined dominance, vulnerability, and comeback energy the way Biles has. Win or lose, her story is already unforgettable.
The Broader Impact of Her Story
Simone’s ESPY nominations aren’t just personal victories. They’re symbolic wins for:
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Women in sports proving strength comes in many forms.
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Mental health advocacy in athletic culture.
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Young gymnasts worldwide who now know they can be both human and extraordinary.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
With Paris 2024 behind her and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, fans are buzzing about what’s next. Will she compete again? Will she continue to advocate for athletes’ mental health? Whatever she chooses, it’s clear she’ll keep making history.
Why Simone’s Legacy Goes Beyond Medals
At the end of the day, medals fade, and trophies collect dust. But Simone Biles’ legacy — one of courage, vulnerability, and redefining greatness — will outlast every scorecard. Her ESPY return is just another reminder: she’s not done writing her story.
Final Thoughts
Simone Biles’ return to the ESPYs with two major nominations isn’t just a headline — it’s a powerful story of resilience, triumph, and cultural impact. From gymnastics mat to global stages, she continues to prove that greatness isn’t about never falling — it’s about always rising.
