Simone Biles’ participation in the Paris Olympics has sparked online discussions for several reasons, including her absence from the opening ceremony, a leg issue, and public criticism regarding her hair.

Absence from the Opening Ceremony

On July 26, athletes paraded on Paris’ River Seine during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Simone Biles and other members of the U.S. gymnastics team were notably absent. Her mother, Nellie Biles, explained, “The first competition is Sunday, which is women’s qualifier, and, of course, she needs to rest up before that competition.”

Leg Issue During Qualifications

During the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Qualification on July 28, Simone had to temporarily sit out with team doctor Marcia Faustin. She returned with medical tape on her left leg after tweaking her calf during a warmup. Despite this setback, she continued to compete, demonstrating her grit and determination.

Public Criticism

Following her injury, Simone faced online criticism. Some accused her of using the injury as an excuse, with comments such as, “Smart. This time, if she wants to quit, she can blame injury instead of nerves,” and “The Drama Queen. Pretends to get hurt and then wins in order to get all the attention and steal the spotlight.”

Despite the criticism, Simone also received considerable support for her perseverance. Admirers praised her resilience, with one using a gif from the Oscars to say, “BRAVO!!!!” Another commenter noted, “She hurt her foot or ankle… someone needs to ask her about it.”

Criticism About Her Hair

Some comments focused on Simone’s hair. An Instagram user remarked, “She’s awesome but can someone fix her hair for her, please?” while another suggested a more styled look.

Resilience and Dedication

Simone Biles’ participation in the Paris Olympics remains a testament to her resilience and dedication, despite facing both physical challenges and public scrutiny.