Simone Biles dished out a dirty look after she was asked if she wished she was ‘more athletic’ in a cruel TikTok prank. The four-time Olympian, 27, looked stunned when internet personality Sophie Tangel posed the question in a TikTok video on September 4. Biles, who holds the record as the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 combined Olympic and World Championship medals – including seven Olympic golds – couldn’t hide her disbelief. ‘Is this a serious question?’ she shot back after a moment of silence. When Tangel pressed her again, the gymnastics superstar burst out laughing before firing: ‘Do you know who you’re talking to?’ The comment section did not disappoint, with viewers piling on to mock the prank and celebrate Biles’s clapback.
One fan quoted her line back at her: ‘Do you know who you’re talking to’ with a crying emoji, while another joked: ‘Don’t make Simone Biles grab her medals.’ Others pointed out the absurdity of the question, writing: ‘Asked the most athletic woman on the planet’ and ‘Not just an Olympian, THE Olympian.’ Fans also loved her delivery, calling her response ‘iconic’ and noting her poise. ‘The ‘do you know who you’re talking to?’ with the smile was the most polite way to remind her she’s talking to THEE Simone Biles – girl have some decorum,’ one wrote.
Another summed it up simply: ‘She knows exactly who she is.’ Biles has been a dominant force in gymnastics for over a decade – an extraordinary feat in a sport where most athletes peak in their teens, as noted by USA Today. She has not lost an all-around competition since 2013, a streak unmatched in the modern era. Her 37 total medals – 11 Olympic and 26 World Championship – make her the most decorated gymnast in history. The majority are gold, cementing her as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Biles has redefined gymnastics by introducing a string of moves so difficult that at least five skills now officially bear her name after she was the first to land them in competition. These innovations have raised the standard of the sport and widened the gap between her and her rivals.
The Question That Sparked Outrage
Imagine being the most decorated gymnast of all time, only to have someone ask if you wish you were more athletic. That’s exactly what happened to Simone Biles. Her disgusted reaction wasn’t just a clapback—it was a moment that revealed how even the world’s greatest athletes face disrespect. In this article, we’ll break down what happened, why the question was so outrageous, and how Biles’s fiery response set the internet ablaze.
Who Is Simone Biles?
Before diving into the drama, let’s get one thing straight: Simone Biles isn’t just athletic—she redefined the meaning of athleticism.
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Olympic gold medals? She has seven.
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World Championship titles? She holds 25.
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Moves named after her? Four different skills bear her name.
When you dominate a sport so intensely that judges create new scoring standards for you, the idea of questioning your athleticism is almost laughable.
The Controversial Question
So, what exactly happened? During an interview, Simone was asked a question that stopped everyone in their tracks:
“Do you ever wish you were more athletic?”
The tone was casual, but the implication? Insulting. It reduced her years of hard work, broken records, and unparalleled achievements to a shallow dig at her physique and performance.
Simone’s Furious Answer
Biles didn’t hold back. Reports suggest she looked visibly irritated before responding sharply:
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She reminded the interviewer of her accomplishments.
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She emphasized that athleticism isn’t just about physical appearance—it’s about strength, discipline, and mental resilience.
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She shut down the notion that anyone could call her “less athletic” when her record speaks louder than words.
Her disgust wasn’t just personal—it was universal. Fans, athletes, and even casual viewers felt the sting of disrespect.
Why The Question Was Offensive
Undermining Years of Dedication
This wasn’t just a bad question—it was an insult. Biles has pushed her body and mind beyond limits most of us can’t imagine. Asking her if she wants to be “more athletic” dismisses her sacrifices.
Gender Bias in Sports
Let’s be honest: male athletes rarely face such demeaning questions. No one asks LeBron James if he wishes he were more athletic. The remark highlights the double standards women in sports constantly face.
Ignorance of Gymnastics as a Sport
Gymnastics isn’t about brawn alone—it’s about flexibility, artistry, balance, and mental focus. To call Simone “less athletic” is to misunderstand the sport entirely.
The Public Reaction
Social Media Eruption
Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok exploded. Hashtags like #RespectSimoneBiles and #AthleticismRedefined trended within hours. Fans applauded her for standing her ground.
Support From Fellow Athletes
Other athletes—ranging from Serena Williams to Michael Phelps—voiced their support. Many reminded people that Simone isn’t just the best gymnast; she’s one of the greatest athletes in history, period.
Simone Biles and Mental Strength
Athleticism isn’t just about muscles and speed. Remember the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when Simone stepped back to protect her mental health? That took courage. True athletes know when to push and when to protect their well-being. That’s what makes her a champion in every sense.
Breaking Down Athleticism
Physical Power
From explosive flips to jaw-dropping vaults, Simone has redefined what the human body can do.
Mental Fortitude
The pressure she faces on a global stage is crushing. Yet, she thrives. That resilience is pure athleticism.
Innovation in Sport
She doesn’t just compete; she invents. Every time she steps onto the mat, the sport evolves.
The Double Standard in Sports Media
Media outlets often treat female athletes differently than male counterparts. Questions about appearance, femininity, and body image dominate. Instead of celebrating their victories, the focus shifts to irrelevant judgments. Simone’s experience is just one of many examples.
Lessons From Simone’s Response
Stand Your Ground
Her furious clapback teaches us the importance of defending ourselves against disrespect.
Redefining Athleticism
Simone has shown that athleticism isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about mastering your craft, no matter the discipline.
Calling Out Ignorance
By reacting the way she did, Simone highlighted the ignorance often baked into sports journalism.
How This Moment Shapes Simone’s Legacy
She was already a legend, but this fiery response adds a new chapter to her story. Simone Biles isn’t just breaking records—she’s breaking stereotypes, too.
The Broader Cultural Impact
This isn’t just about Simone. It’s about respect for all athletes, especially women, who are too often undermined. Her response serves as a cultural reset—a reminder to journalists, fans, and critics that words matter.
What Fans Can Learn
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Celebrate achievements, not appearances.
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Recognize the mental and physical toughness of athletes.
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Speak up when you see disrespect.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’s furious response to being asked if she wished she was “more athletic” wasn’t just about one moment—it was about reclaiming respect. Her disgust showed the world that even the greatest athletes aren’t immune to ignorance, but also that they don’t have to accept it quietly. Simone Biles doesn’t need to prove her athleticism. She is the definition of it.
