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Simone Biles going for gold again, but not in gymnastics: Could she really win an Emmy?

Olympic champion Simone Biles’ Netflix docuseries earns an Emmy nomination, highlighting her journey beyond the gymnastics floor.

Simone Biles, widely regarded as the most decorated gymnast in history, is once again in the spotlight-but this time, it’s not for her athletic feats. In fact, she’s going for gold in another category: TV.

Her Netflix docuseries, Simone Biles Rising, has earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series, showcasing a side of Biles fans rarely see.

While the American has long dominated the gymnastics world with her unmatched skill and record-breaking achievements, this nomination highlights her impact beyond sports, emphasizing her story, resilience, and influence on mental health awareness.

Premiering in July 2024, Simone Biles Rising offers an intimate glimpse into her life leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

What is the Simone Biles documentary about?

The series chronicles her return to competition after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Biles faced the “twisties,” a dangerous mental block that forced her to withdraw from several events despite being a heavy favorite.

It captures both her struggles and her triumphs, portraying her as not just a champion athlete, but a person navigating intense public scrutiny, personal challenges, and the relentless demands of elite gymnastics.

In discussing the Emmy nomination, Biles expressed her surprise and gratitude, noting, “Thanks to my family at Netflix for the sweet gift. I still can’t believe we’re nominated for an EMMY for Simone Biles Rising.”

Her reaction underscores how significant this recognition is, marking a milestone that celebrates her storytelling abilities, not just her athletic accomplishments. The series allows audiences to see the vulnerability and humanity behind the medals, which resonates deeply with viewers and expands her influence far beyond the gymnastics arena.

Simone Biles

A story of resilience beyond the gym

Simone Biles Rising is more than a sports documentary-it is a testament to resilience, mental fortitude, and personal growth. By openly discussing her challenges, Biles has helped normalize conversations about mental health in athletics.

She reveals how difficult it was to step away from competition at Tokyo, acknowledging the pressure to perform despite the risks. Her openness has inspired athletes and non-athletes alike to prioritize mental wellness alongside professional goals.

The Emmy nomination reflects a growing appreciation for sports stories that go beyond physical feats, highlighting personal journeys that connect with a wider audience.

Biles’ series emphasizes that success is not only measured in gold medals but in the courage to overcome adversity and share that journey with the world. For Biles, this nomination is a form of validation for her willingness to be vulnerable on camera, bringing awareness to issues often overlooked in professional sports.

Winning an Emmy would be another groundbreaking achievement for Biles, reinforcing her role as a trailblazer not just in gymnastics, but across media and culture. Even the nomination alone broadens her platform, allowing her to advocate for mental health, inspire young athletes, and demonstrate that greatness extends beyond physical prowess.

Just months ago, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens were stealing hearts on the NFL sidelines with their viral pre-game handshakes and loving displays. Now, the Olympic gymnastics icon finds herself at the center of unexpected fan backlash.

On December 16, Biles lit up the NFL world with a heartwarming sideline moment ahead of a Chicago Bears game, sharing kisses and a now-famous handshake with her husband, Bears safety Jonathan Owens.

SportsCenter’s clip of the interaction went viral, and Biles was praised as the ultimate NFL WAG-so much so that fans dubbed her and Owens the “real MVP couple,” even over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

But fast forward eight months to the Bears’ Family Fest practice on August 3, and the tone has taken a shocking turn. While Owens once again ran to greet Biles before the game, and the Bears’ official account posted a sweet video of the reunion, this time the internet wasn’t feeling the love.

Internet users turned their backs on Biles

Instead of praise, the comments section turned sour. Fans took direct shots at Simone Biles, with one calling her “overrated as a human being” and another asking, “She hasn’t been fully canceled yet?” The same woman who once represented the gold standard of sideline support is now being met with hostility, sarcasm, and indifference.

Some critics accused Biles of stealing attention, while others threw passive-aggressive shade over her lack of Bears gear. “She’s not even a real fan,” one commenter joked, pointing out her absence of team colors or memorabilia.

Biles vs. Gaines

Though the reasons for the sudden backlash aren’t entirely clear, many believe it may stem from her recent public feud with former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines-a controversy that stirred passionate opinions across social media.

Once the darling of NFL fandom, Biles now faces a season where the spotlight feels more hostile than heartwarming. As the Bears gear up for kickoff, it’s clear the crowd’s cheers for Simone have turned into cold stares-and this time, there’s no handshake sweet enough to fix it.

When it comes to athleticwear, I trust Simone Biles over almost anyone. She’s an 11-time Olympic medalist, after all. Her standards have to be sky-high (just like her double pike vault), and her clothing has to perform under serious pressure. So the fact that Biles has been an Athleta partner since 2021 and wears the brand constantly (from the red carpet to workouts and everywhere in between), was inspiration enough to put it to the test. To do so, I spent an entire weekend wearing nothing but Athleta, and here’s what I learned: the hype is real, and Biles’s loyalty to the brand? Completely justified.

While I consider myself fairly active — I love a good sweat session and clock a weekly 5K — I wanted my outfits to serve more than just “fitness girlie.” I wasn’t sure if Athleta had that kind of range (spoiler: it does), but while browsing, I was genuinely impressed by the variety: mesh shirts, relaxed joggers, stretchy tube tops, matching sets, and sporty windbreakers all caught my eye. With so many options, I decided to primarily focus on the Transcend collection, which features the brand’s softest and lightest fabric.

My goal was to push the limits of what I thought athleticwear was capable of and to feel confident wearing it in a variety of settings. Athleta not only delivered, it also filled gaps in my wardrobe I didn’t even know existed.

Meetings and Matcha

The Transcend High Rise 7/8 Legging is a certified cult-favorite, so I immediately added two pairs to my cart (one in black and one in truffle brown). The Transcend Open Back Tee is Biles’s personal favorite piece from the brand, so I made sure to snatch one of those as well. Together, these two pieces inspired my Friday look. I layered the Terry Crop Crew Sweatshirt for backup because overly aggressive A/C is my kryptonite, then elevated my outfit with ruffle socks, a suede shoulder bag, and gold jewelry.

I spent the morning and afternoon working from the library, taking video calls, and eventually headed to a coffee shop to grab lunch and matcha lattes with a friend. It was a hot day and I walked everywhere (5.1 miles to be exact), so I braced myself for sweat stains and, if we’re being honest, some less-than-ideal body odor. But the moisture-wicking properties and airflow of the VitaFree fabric must be magic because I felt as fresh as ever after this long, active day. My clothing didn’t smell even a little bit, which is a huge win in my book. Not only that, I also felt stylish and comfortable the entire day — polished enough to take calls with clients and relaxed enough to sit at a desk for an extended period. And when it was time to get up and get moving, I didn’t miss a beat.

Dinner and Dancing

On Saturday, I had dinner plans downtown, followed by a late-night concert. While athleticwear sounded ideal in theory (hello, comfort and support), standard gym gear wasn’t going to cut it at some of the trendier spots on my list. Enter: Athleta’s Apero Mesh Tank. This top was a best-of-both-worlds solution that combined both performance and polish. It gave me the softness and stretch I love in performance wear, but with the sleek, nightlife aesthetic I was ultimately going for. I paired it with the Transcend High Rise 5″ Short for full range of motion on the dance floor, then leveled up my look with heels, bangles, and a statement necklace. The result felt cool, elevated, and unexpected.

That night solidified for me that Athleta is more than just a fitness brand. Each piece is extremely fluid and can effortlessly be dressed up or down. I felt comfortable and stylish wearing this look out on the town, but I could just as easily see myself wearing it to a yoga or spin class. I’m already picturing the tank with jeans or joggers for a more casual vibe. What I loved most about this look though was that thanks to the shorts’ enhanced LYCRA® fiber and the mesh tank’s breathability, I danced all night long without worrying about sweat stains, body odor, or feeling restricted. I was living for this fashion-meets-function moment.

Barre and Brunch

My Sunday called for a fitness look I could continue wearing long after I left the studio. The Transcend Square Neck Crop Sports Bra was perfect for my low-impact barre workout and made me feel just as cute during my post-class brunch as I did on the mat. Once again, the Transcend High Rise 7/8 Legging came through with its versatility and buttery soft feel. Each piece moved with me, offering a second-skin feel so weightless, I almost forgot I was wearing anything at all. To make the look feel more styled and less “fitness focused,” I added a few accessories: ruffle socks, a patterned tote, and oval sunglasses. Together, they pulled the outfit together in a way that felt intentional.

After dressing like Simone Biles for a weekend, I’m officially rethinking what performance wear can look (and feel) like. Athleta’s modern approach to activewear impressed me — but what stood out just as much was what the brand stands for. Its mission is to empower women and girls to build confidence, strength, and a sense of belonging through movement (aka the POWER OF SHE) — and that’s exactly what this clothing did for me. No wonder Biles is such a loyal fan.

Simone Biles apologizes to Riley Gaines, argues for ‘competitive equity and inclusivity’ in women’s sports

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles apologized to former college swimmer Riley Gaines after the two engaged in a verbal back-and-forth on X on Friday.

In a post Tuesday, Biles apologized for not showing “empathy and respect” in a tweet where she ripped Gaines for the former swimmer’s stance on transgender athletes.

In her post, Biles said she believed “competitive equity and inclusivity” are essential in sport. She said she did not want to advocate for policies that “compromise fairness in women’s sports.” Biles added that she took issue with Gaines singling out a child in her post.

Biles ended her post by saying:

“Individual athletes — especially kids — should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition. We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful.”

Biles and Gaines engaged in a verbal back-and-forth on X on Friday after Gaines attacked Minnesota’s high school interscholastic governing body for allowing a transgender girl to compete in the girl’s state softball tournament. Champlin Park, with the transgender girl on the mound, won the state 4A championship 6-0. Biles responded to that tweet, calling Gaines a “sore loser” and a “bully.”

Simone Biles

Gaines — a former swimmer at the University of Kentucky — became a public figure in 2022, when she argued against the inclusion of transgender women participating in women’s sports after she tied for fifth with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at a meet.

Gaines has continued to lobby for that cause, and appeared in a video on the United States Department of Health and Human Services website in February which argued against allowing transgender women to participate in women’s sports.

Gaines responded to Biles’ post Friday, calling it “disappointing.” Over the weekend, Gaines tweeted or shared at least 15 tweets mentioning Biles.

Shortly after Biles’ post, Gaines responded to Biles’ post.

Simone Biles Just Wore a Red Carpet Gown Inspired by This $59 Workout Tee

Any activewear with Simone Biles’s stamp of approval instantly lands on our radar. If it’s good enough for an 11-time Olympic medalist, it’s more than good enough for us. So when she stepped onto the 2025 ESPYs red carpet in a custom gown crafted from performance fabric, fashion insiders, fellow athletes, and fans alike took notice. A glamorous dress made from workout gear? It’s not something we’ve seen before — at least not to this extent — and that’s exactly the point.

Of course, if anyone could pull off a gown made from athleticwear, it’s Biles. And if anyone has the creative vision and expertise to bring it to life, it’s Zac Posen. Posen, executive vice president and creative director of Gap Inc., teamed up with Biles, an Athleta partner since 2021, to reimagine her favorite piece from the brand, the Transcend Open-Back Tee. Effortlessly fusing performance wear with couture-level design, Posen created this one-of-a-kind gown that, while seemingly unconventional, is primarily rooted in something deeper: empowerment and transformation. The idea of showing up red-carpet ready and feeling completely at ease wrapped in the same second-skin fabric as your favorite workout top is an exciting notion — especially for anyone who’s ever felt personally victimized by stiff, itchy, or straight-up uncomfortable formalwear.

The look was dazzling and elegant, but it was also more than a fashion flex. Biles’s bold choice marks a cultural shift: a growing attitude that prioritizes both style and comfort in women’s fashion. Thanks to the Athleta VitaFree fabric’s buttery soft texture, ample flexibility, lightweight feel, sweat-wicking properties, and impressive breathability, Biles proved — with one innovative dress — that women can feel just as amazing as they look. No sacrifices required.

Simone Biles

To elevate Athleta’s lightest, softest fabric to red-carpet status, Posen turned to embroidery, beading, and expertly refined cutlines. A layer of mesh was placed over the performance fabric, then accented with navy bugle beads to create a distinct shimmer and an all-over liquid effect. The silhouette preserved the tee’s signature open-back triangle — reworked in proportions perfectly tailored to Biles’s frame. The result? A dress that moved with her seamlessly, performing just as effectively under flashing lights as it would in yoga class.

As Biles glided across the red carpet, she radiated confidence, grace, and undeniable power. Her gown was just one part of the equation, but it helped cement her status as more than an iconic athlete. She’s also a force in the women’s empowerment space. After all, Athleta’s mission is rooted in helping women and girls build confidence, strength, and a sense of belonging through movement (aka the POWER OF SHE), and fashion — as well as trailblazers like Biles and Posen — can amplify the cause.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that athleticwear is no longer limited to working out, running errands, or lounging at home. It’s capable of so much more and this is only the beginning. Now we just need this muse-worthy tee in every color.

Olympian Simone Biles isn’t backing down from critics after proudly embracing a new title.

Dubbed the “most decorated gymnast of all time” due to her unparalleled achievements in sports, the Ohio native has earned the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). This recognition has sparked admiration from fans and inspired calls for further celebration of her impact.

As she continues to break barriers, Biles recently received a new title, further cementing her mark in the world of sports.

On Monday, the 28-year-old received an honorary degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Wearing a green doctoral robe, she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech after being awarded the title of Doctor of Humane Letters.

The 11-time Olympic medalist also took to social media to highlight her recent achievement and encourage her followers.

“Call me Dr. Biles from now on,” she captioned the TikTok post.

Amid the wave of fans congratulating the gymnast on her new title, others reacted negatively, questioning whether the honor was truly deserved.

“Sorry, I’m not calling you doctor,” one wrote.

“Respectfully, you’re kind of making the rest of us look bad, Dr. Congratulations!” a follower added.

A fan expressed a strong opinion on the title and commented, “Can we stop with the honorary degrees already? They’re disrespectful to those who actually earned their doctorates.”

“This is a slap in the face to those who actually work hard to receive the degree,” a TikTok user chimed in.

“’Dr. Biles’ yeah, that’s funny. Save the Dr. title for the real ones out here please. They earned it just like you earned your medal!” another added.

Simone Biles

The recognition continues to draw mixed reactions, with some fans arguing that it was overly self-promotional.

“Meanwhile, we actually stressing and paying hella to get the real degrees,” a commenter wrote.

The same goes for another user who said, “And you’re not a doctor lol. Like you have no knowledge to teach anyone. Maybe if it’s a PhD in gymnastics, then you got it, but if not, you don’t deserve it, idc who you are, I work hard for my degrees.”

On the other hand, while critics questioned her use of the “Dr.” title, the gymnast wasted no time in setting the record straight.

Biles clarified that an honorary doctorate recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to a specific field or to society, even if they haven’t followed the conventional path of earning a doctoral degree.

“It’s literally just an honor, kind of like an award,” she responded in one of the comments, adding, “It isn’t the same as an actual degree and we recognize that! God forbid I speak at the graduation.”

Olympic champion Simone Biles made a grand entrance at the 2025 ESPY Awards in a glittering navy gown—but it wasn’t just fans or photographers who were impressed. Her younger sister, Adria Biles, had one of the most passionate reactions to Simone’s eye-catching look.

On her Instagram Story, Adria shared a photo of Simone from the red carpet.

“Stunning gorgeous beautiful I wanna kill yewwwww cutie bootyyyy sister girl,” she wrote.

The Olympian’s gown, custom-designed by Zac Posen in collaboration with activewear brand Athleta, shimmered from every angle as she arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.

The unique dress was crafted from Athleta’s Transcend Open Back Tee—one of Simone’s personal favorites and was reimagined as a floor-length, open-back gown with sequin embellishments.

This year marked the gymnast’s first ESPY appearance since 2017. She was nominated for two top honors: Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Championship Performance for her gold medal in the 2024 Olympics Women’s All-Around event.

Meanwhile, Owens turned heads on the red carpet too, not only for his sleek style but for how attentively he cared for his wife. As cameras snapped away, he was spotted fixing the train of her gown and gently fixing her hair.

The sisters’ close bond has long been public. Though two years apart, they are often mistaken for twins due to their striking resemblance. Adria, a former elite gymnast, trained alongside Simone until 2016.

Despite Simone’s fame, the two sisters maintain a normal sibling relationship. According to USA Today, they’ve shared stories about stealing each other’s clothes and playfully arguing, but they always show up for one another, as seen once again during this standout moment at the ESPYs.

2024 U.S. junior champion claimed the all-around Saturday (19 July) as the seven-time Olympic champion watched from the stands.

Saturday evening (19 July), seven-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles watched competition at the 2025 U.S. Classic from a corner of the arena.

The two-time Olympic all-around winner avoided the spotlight at one of the first major U.S. gymnastics competitions since the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which saw reigning U.S. junior champion Claire Pease grab the title with a 54.600 ahead of Simone Rose (54.200) and Joscelyn Roberson (53.250).

For Biles, there was no formal recognition, no ceremony, no media obligations as she stood on the floor near the balance beam to watch former training-mates Roberson and Dulcy Caylor compete.

“My lil babiessss,” Biles said in an Instagram story post of the duo.

Her presence touched Roberson, who called her “the busiest human ever”.

“[Biles] called me, and she was like, ‘Okay, I have this, this and this, but if you really want me there, I’ll be there,’” Roberson told media after competition. “And I was like, ‘I kind of really want you there’. And she’s like, ‘Okay, so it’s done.’”

After the first rotation, Biles found a seat in a lower-level suite where she quickly caught the attention – and cheers – of the crowd.

Her long-time coach Cecile Landi, now the University of Georgia co-head coach, joined her there. The two chatted casually throughout the competition.

It was a fitting image as the 28-year-old contemplates what’s next for her in both life and the sport. Biles would be 31 when the Games head to Los Angeles in 2028. She hasn’t ruled out a fourth appearance at the global event but hasn’t committed to it either.

With Biles on the sideline – literally – a new generation of gymnasts, led by Pease, stepped up.

Pease soared to the top of the all-around standings, powered by top-three finishes on all four events.

“[I feel] really good,” she said. “I’m really happy to be here.”

It was a bit of a comeback victory for Pease, as Rose, 17, went into the final rotation with a three-and-a-half tenth lead, having started her night with a bang, sticking her one-and-a-half twisting Yurchenko for a 13.800. She added a 13.950 on the uneven bars before putting up a 13.150 on the balance beam.

But Pease, just 16, passed her in the final rotation as she boomed a clean Yurchenko double full for a 14.050 score. Rose’s clean but lower-difficulty floor exercise earned a 13.300, putting her second overall.

In her first elite competition since last summer’s Olympic Trials, Roberson, who finished her freshman season at the University of Arkansas in April, was powerful and solid all night. Her highlight came in the form of a nearly wobble-free routine on the balance beam and a dynamic floor exercise performance that had the backing of the crowd.

Biles’ Olympic teammate in Paris, Hezly Rivera, struggled in her opening two rotations, coming up short on her uneven bars dismount and falling off during her acrobatic series on the beam. The errors cost her, as she finished in a tie for 12th place.

The event was the final qualifier for next month’s U.S. Championships, set for New Orleans from 7–10 August. Senior women’s athletes scoring a 52.000 or better in the all-around earned automatic qualification to the event.

The superstar gymnast’s gold medals could soon earn her a golden statuette, with her Netflix documentary, ‘Simone Biles Rising’, earning a nomination for a Primetime Emmy this week. The series has already won several prizes, including the Annual Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Sports Documentary.

It follows the seven-time Olympic champion on her remarkable journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, giving viewers an insight into her comeback from her withdrawal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and her advocacy for athlete mental health and wellbeing. The documentary was also used as evidence in Jordan Chiles’ appeal with the Swiss Federal Tribunal, after she was stripped of the bronze medal in the controversial women’s floor final.

The docuseries had audiences engaged, with its endearing, intimate approach, and critics have reacted positively, with Variety calling it “a beautiful reflection of a champion who defied all odds.” Could she defy the odds again and beat popular shows ‘Chef’s Table’, ‘100 Foot Wave’, ‘SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night and Social Studies’?

“Simone Biles Rising is a powerful reminder that true strength lies not only in medals, but also in courage, honesty and the willingness to be vulnerable. This Emmy nomination is a great honour — and a testament to Simone’s impact and the values that lie at the heart of the Olympic Movement. We’re proud to have helped bring her story to the world,” said Olympic Channel Executive Director Yiannis Exarchos in an Olympics.com press release.

The OCS and the International Olympic Committee had a hand in producing the series, and the nomination “marks another milestone for the IOC’s original productions, which continue to bring the inspiring stories of athletes to audiences worldwide,” said Jérôme Parmentier, vice-president of Media Rights and Content Partnerships at the IOC.

Biles was in disbelief at the news, and shared the nomination on her social media, writing “STOP IT,” accompanied by screaming emojis. Just a day later, she’d be overcome by surprise again, winning Best Championship Performance at The ESPYS for her efforts at the Paris Games.

“That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,” Biles said, according to ESPN.

The highly anticipated Emmys will be held on 14 September at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, where Simone Biles Rising could soon join the ranks of Games documentaries recognised by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, such as ‘Netflix’s Rising Phoenix’, the documentary about the Paralympic Games, which won two Sports Emmys in 2021.

Simone Biles and her husband Jonathan Owens steal the spotlight with major PDA on the red carpet

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens made it clear at the ESPYS: their relationship isn’t up for debate. The Olympic champion and her NFL husband stepped onto the red carpet and instantly took over the night-not with over-the-top theatrics, but with natural chemistry and quiet confidence. Simone stunned in a sleek blue gown, while Jonathan stayed close, visibly proud and completely dialed in to his wife. The couple didn’t just pose for cameras-they made a statement without needing to say a word.

Blocking the noise with presence, not posts

That statement meant, they’re good, better than good. While the internet may love to speculate, Simone and Jonathan handled it the way most wish they could: by living their lives and letting actions speak for themselves. In a social media era where everything gets dissected, the couple keeps things simple-stay close and keep moving.

Since their relationship went public, online critics have found ways to question everything from their intentions to their body language. But every appearance shows something consistent: they’re not interested in playing into the noise. If anything, the outside scrutiny seems to bring them closer.

At this year’s ESPYS, Jonathan wasn’t just there as Simone’s date-he showed up as her partner, in every sense. From adjusting her dress to sharing casual, light moments between camera flashes, he came off as someone who’s not just present but genuinely invested. Simone has spoken out before in defense of their relationship, but the truth is, nights like this one say far more than a statement ever could.

Not just fashion-connection on display

A lot of people brought big outfits to the ESPYS carpet, but Simone and Jonathan brought something else: ease. The way they interacted felt natural-laughing, sharing quick moments, checking in on each other. They didn’t overdo it or force anything, and maybe that’s what made it so noticeable.

There’s often pressure on high-profile couples to “perform” affection in public, but this didn’t feel like that. It felt like two people who are still figuring out life in the spotlight together-and doing it on their own terms.

The speculation will keep coming, but their approach stays the same-show up, support each other, and move forward.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens didn’t try to prove anything on that red carpet, but somehow, they still managed to silence the noise. They looked solid, unbothered, and genuinely happy to be in each other’s space. For a couple constantly under the microscope, that’s more than enough.