Simone Biles’ absence from the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics raised some eyebrows, but there was a reasonable explanation. Along with other members of the U.S. gymnastics team, Simone was noticeably absent as athletes made their way along the River Seine on July 26. According to Simone’s mother, Nellie Biles, the gymnast needed to rest before her first competition, which was scheduled for July 28. The qualification rounds for women’s gymnastics required her to be at her best, and this decision to skip the ceremony was made to ensure she had the proper rest and preparation.
Injury Concerns and Public Criticism
During the competition on July 28, Simone faced another hurdle when she injured her leg while warming up for her floor exercise. Footage from the event showed her sitting with the U.S. gymnastics team doctor, Marcia Faustin, before returning to the floor with medical tape on her left calf. Despite walking with a limp, Simone continued to compete, showcasing remarkable resilience.
However, this injury sparked a wave of criticism online. Some social media users suggested that the injury was exaggerated to avoid pressure, while others dismissed it as an attempt to steal attention. One user remarked, “Smart. This time, if she wants to quit, she can blame injury instead of nerves.” Others even accused her of faking the injury for publicity, calling her a “drama queen” and saying that she “pretended to get hurt” for the spotlight. Despite this, Simone’s determination to continue competing drew support from others who admired her tenacity.
Simone’s Historic Achievement Despite Injury
In the face of her injury, Simone Biles achieved something extraordinary that further solidified her legacy. During the competition, she performed the Yurchenko double pike, a move considered the hardest vault in the world. Simone became the first woman in history to land this vault at the Olympics, despite dealing with a calf injury. Her ability to push through the pain and deliver such a remarkable performance was a testament to her skill and mental toughness.
Yet, as she continued to perform, some observers couldn’t help but express concern for her health. “Oh no, I hope she’s not injured because she’s limping a little,” one person commented, while another questioned whether her injury was more severe, asking if she had hurt her foot or ankle. These comments reflected the public’s mixed reactions, as some were worried for her well-being, while others were in awe of her incredible performance.
Criticism of Simone’s Hair
Alongside the focus on her athleticism, some observers on social media were more concerned about how Simone’s hair looked during the competition. Several users commented on her hairstyle, asking for it to be fixed before her performance. One Instagram user said, “She’s awesome but can someone fix her hair for her, please?!” Another user on X suggested, “@Simone_Biles can we get a hair braid or something,” accompanied by an emoji of disapproval. Another more vocal critic felt strongly that Simone should have had a more polished look, stating, “#SimoneBiles should have had an #FBA Beautician Do Her Hair In A Ballerina Style Updo/Bun, Or A Sleek Ponytail Before She Left For The #OlympicGames.”
While it may seem trivial to some, these comments about her hair highlight the intense public scrutiny that Simone faces—something that goes beyond her athletic abilities.
Conclusion: Simone’s Unyielding Spirit Shines Through
Despite the criticisms and challenges, Simone Biles once again demonstrated her strength and perseverance on the world stage. From missing the opening ceremony to pushing through an injury and even receiving unwarranted comments about her appearance, Simone’s focus remained on her performance and her team. Her historic vault, achieved with a taped-up leg, proved that her grit is unmatched. While the commentary surrounding her might sometimes be harsh or misguided, it’s clear that Simone Biles remains an athlete of exceptional caliber, undeterred by setbacks both physical and personal.
