Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles has taken to social media to defend her hairstyle during the Women’s gymnastics team finals at the Paris Olympics. Biles, who recently led her team to gold and solidified her status as the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, faced criticism over her choice of hairstyle for the event.
During the competition, Biles posted a photo on Instagram Story showcasing her hair styled in a simple ponytail. This choice drew significant attention and some backlash, prompting her to address the issue directly. In her post, Biles explained that her hair had been previously styled but became disheveled due to the lack of air conditioning on the team bus, which was excessively hot and endured a lengthy ride.
“Don’t come for me about my hair,” Biles wrote over the image, adding, “IT WAS DONE but bus has no AC and it’s like 9,000 degrees. Oh and a 45-minute ride.”
In a follow-up post, Biles shared another photo of herself using a fan to cool down, accompanied by a pointed message: “Gonna hold your hand when I say this. Next time you wanna comment on a Black girl’s hair. JUST DON’T.”
This is not the first instance where Biles has addressed criticism related to her hair. In an interview with Elle published earlier this month, Biles discussed her journey toward self-acceptance regarding her hair. She revealed that, growing up, she lacked guidance on proper hair care and styling. Social media, she noted, has been instrumental in helping her improve her hair care routine and gain confidence in her appearance.
“I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” Biles said. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.” She admitted that negative comments about her hair, including criticism on her wedding photos, were hurtful but ultimately led her to embrace her natural texture and styles.
Biles expressed that caring for her hair has become a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. “I understand and realize I have to take care of my physical appearance as well as my mental,” she added. “I’m finally learning to love my hair and the texture that I have and the styles that I can do.”
Biles’ return to the Olympic stage follows her withdrawal from most of the 2020 Tokyo Games due to “the twisties,” a condition causing a temporary loss of spatial awareness during complex gymnastics moves. Despite the challenges, her resilience and success continue to inspire many.
As the Olympics progress, Biles’ candid responses to public scrutiny highlight ongoing discussions about representation and self-acceptance in sports and beyond.