Simone Biles Reunites with Mother After Leading Team USA to Olympic Gold
Simone Biles, 27, achieved yet another historic milestone by leading the United States to their fourth Olympic gold in the women’s team event. This victory, marked by Biles’ dazzling performances on all four apparatus, secured her place as the most decorated gymnast in USA history with five Olympic gold medals.
The emotional climax of the night came when Biles reunited with her mother, Nellie, in Paris. NBC cameras captured the heartfelt moment as Biles, accompanied by her NFL-playing husband Jonathan Owens, spotted her mother in the crowd. Running over, Biles embraced Nellie, who kissed her daughter on the cheek and proudly held up the gold medal. Hundreds of fans and television viewers witnessed the touching reunion.
While Biles celebrated her victory, she also took a moment to address her critics. On Instagram, she posted a picture of the victorious team with a pointed caption: “lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.” This was widely interpreted as a response to former Team USA gymnast MyKayla Skinner’s critical comments leading up to the games. Skinner had questioned the team’s work ethic and talent in a now-deleted YouTube video, specifically criticizing Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.
Skinner’s remarks, including her critique of the SafeSport regulations that limit coaches’ interactions with athletes, had stirred controversy. Biles responded on Threads, asserting that “not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” Following Skinner’s comments, Biles and several teammates blocked her on social media. Despite Skinner’s subsequent apology, the team focused on their triumph.
The celebration continued as other members of the team reunited with their families. Jordan Chiles was seen joyfully embracing her mother, adding to the night of emotional reunions and celebrations for the Olympic champions.