After facing criticism for her “fried” hair at the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles wowed social media users with a fresh look, though some questioned her outfit choice.
Simone Biles, the seven-time Olympic medalist, shone at the 2024 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville on November 20. Her photos online drew mixed reactions from eagle-eyed netizens.
A netizen’s comment on Simone Biles’s appearance at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, posted on November 20, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/peoplemag
Before the event, Simone shared an Instagram Story with a photo of herself and a close pal. She wore a beige top, jeans, layered necklaces, and oversized glasses, completing her chic style. “okay but wait for the glow up later today [sic],” she wrote.
Simone Biles’s Instagram Story, posted in November 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/simonebiles
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That evening, the 27-year-old Olympian stepped onto the red carpet in a shimmering metallic gown that highlighted her elegance and confidence.
The silver dress, featuring a knotted shoulder strap and an off-the-shoulder sleeve, hugged her athletic frame. She completed the look with stud earrings and a delicate hand chain that highlighted her wedding ring.
Simone Biles attends the 2024 CMA Awards at Music City Center in Nashville on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Simone also stepped into the spotlight as one of the evening’s presenters. She joined an impressive roster of celebrities, including Jeff Bridges, Carly Pearce, and Little Big Town, to celebrate the best in country music.
Later in the evening, Simone surprised fans by changing into a glittering silver power suit, a bold, tailored ensemble that continued the metallic theme.
Simone Biles attends the 58th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans quickly took to social media to share their admiration for Simone’s CMA appearance. While many admired her look, some commented, “Beautiful Dress but it doesn’t fit!!” [sic] A second speculated, “She is going to be a mum!!” while one observer remarked that her metallic gown seemed unflattering.
Simone Biles attends the 58th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville on November 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/usagym
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Some netizens praised Simone’s new locks. “I like her new hairstyle, so pretty,” a fan raved, while another declared, “she is ridiculously beautiful, she can rock any hairstyle!”
Simone Biles attends the 2024 CMA Awards in Nashville on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another observer focused on her hairstyle, expressing appreciation for her freedom to experiment with creative looks that reflect her personality and individuality.
Simone Biles at the 58th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville on November 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/usagym
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An admirer also highlighted how her bob suits her post-Olympic lifestyle, allowing her to embrace styles impractical during her competitive career. A different commenter noted how stunning Simone looked, while someone else complimented both her appearance and performance.
The renowned gymnast’s new bob marked a striking transformation from the “fried” hair she dealt with during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
During the competition, Simone faced unexpected criticism from netizens about her hair, despite her focus on her journey to gold. The world-renowned gymnast didn’t hesitate to respond to her critics.
A netizen’s comment about Simone Biles’s hair, posted in July 2024 | Source: X.com/AshleyNicolee6
Simone posted a video to her Instagram story, sharing a light-hearted yet firm message, “don’t come for me about my hair [sic].”
Simone Biles’s message to her critics, posted on Instagram Stories in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
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Seated on a bus and dealing with soaring temperatures, Simone explained, “IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it’s like 9,0000 degrees.” She added, “oh & a 45 min ride [sic].”
Simone Biles’s message to her critics, posted on Instagram Stories in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
Simone was more direct in another post, stating, “gonna hold your hand when I say this…next time you wanna comment on a black girls hair. JUST DON’T [sic].” Her statement led to various reactions on social media.
Simone Biles’s message to her critics, posted on Instagram Stories in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
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One viewer expressed frustration, criticizing Simone’s hair for appearing less polished compared to her teammates.
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Another echoed this viewpoint, albeit with a hint of concern, “Her hair looks broke off , fried, and unhealthy. I don’t think anyone is trying to be mean , if anything it’s black women giving advice . She is the best gymnast ever and she has the means to attain healthy hair . Why not look and be your best simultaneously [sic]?”
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Despite the critique, some fans expressed their admiration for Simone, with one noting they still loved her and wished her success.
Simone Biles reacts after her balance beam routine at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Many defended Simone, emphasizing the physical demands of her sport and dismissing criticism of her hair as unfair and irrelevant.
Simone Biles competes on the balance beam at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 28, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
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One commenter supported Simone, urging women to stop criticizing hairstyles and pointing out that frizz from humidity is a common experience.
Simone Biles reacts during the gymnastics all-around qualification on the balance beam at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the online comments about her hair, Simone remained focused and led her team to victory in the competition. She led Team USA to a stunning win in the women’s gymnastics team final, securing a total score of 171.296.
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The team’s win marks the fourth gold for the U.S., following their triumphs in 1996, 2012, and 2016. Italy claimed silver with a score of 165.494, while Brazil took bronze with 164.497, marking their first medal in this category.
Gold medalists Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Hezly Rivera celebrate on the podium during the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Throughout the Olympics, Simone showcased simple yet striking hairstyles, often opting for a hair bun that highlighted her versatility and style. In one photo, she wore her hair in a high bun with cascading strands, secured with hairpins.
Simone Biles looks on before her balance beam routine during the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Qualification at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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In another photo, Simone sported small braids running from the front to the back, which seamlessly blended into her high, messy bun. It appears she braided her hair before styling it into a bun.
Simone Biles looks on during the 2024 Paris Olympics at Bercy Arena on July 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In another picture, Simone opted for a more casual look, wearing a simple messy bun with some strands left loose for a relaxed appearance. She kept the style natural, without adding any hairpins.
Simone Biles prepares for the uneven bars during the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Simone expressed her joy, saying, “It feels amazing. We love it, we’re excited…We got the job done.”
Simone Biles waves as she celebrates the gold medal win after the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On Instagram, Simone also shared a photo of her team celebrating their win, happily holding the American flag. “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions ❤️🥇🇺🇸 [sic],” she captioned her post.
Her response and outstanding performance remind us that her athletic prowess far outweighs any superficial judgments, particularly those concerning her hair.
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Simone’s hairstyles have always been a part of her public persona, and now they are featured in a Netflix documentary “Simone Biles: Rising.” The documentary delves into her journey, including a look at her hair braiding routine.
Collaborating with streaming powerhouse Netflix and Emmy-winning director Katie Walsh, the first season of Simone’s life documentary has hit TV screens. Breaking down the fourth wall, Katie has revealed the story behind certain elements featured in the project.
Simone Biles from clips of “Simone Biles: Rising,” posted on July 16, 2024 | Source: Instagram/netflix
According to the description on Netflix, “Simone Biles: Rising” followed the young talent as she “balances her personal life, mental health journey and training ahead of a highly anticipated return to the Olympics.”
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