Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty
There’s been a lot of chatter regarding Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka’s early departure from the Tokyo Olympics. While the world is used to seeing athletes ignore their bodies and mental well-beings to power through challenges, both Biles and Osaka are changing the narrative.
Since the news broke, celebrities took to social media to show their support for Biles. From our forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama to boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, people stood in solidarity to support the 24-year old gymnast who has won a combined total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.
Early this morning, the USA Gymnastics twitter account updated us on the final status of Simone’s decision and reinforced why she is indeed a role model to the rest of the world.
“After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many,” they wrote.
In case you missed it, here are some other celebrities that used their voice to stand with our forever champion, Simone Biles.
1. Michelle Obama
Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the the silver medal, Team @USA!
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 28, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I don’t know about you, but FLOTUS doesn’t send me tweets every time I prioritize my mental health over a competition. This kind of love and support is beyond memorable.
2. Amanda Gorman
The GOAT @Simone_Biles having to sit out–because a man is not held accountable to do the same-is shameful. Biles still cheering on her teammates, even while taking care of herself, is one of the many graces that make her a true champion, forever & always. We love u Simone. https://t.co/nrfaJhoaja
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Famed poet Amanda Gorman pointed out the misogynist behavior that often plays out in the sports world and beyond. Sadly women are expected to power through things that are overlooked for men.
3. Uzo Aduba
Yes. This is what a champion looks like. So proud of #SimoneBiles and the entire gymnastics team. How lucky we are to have you all as our Team USA. https://t.co/4TrcUXuQpm
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Orange is the New Black actress Uzo Aduba reminded us just how lucky we are to have Simone and the rest of the USA team represent us.
4. Cori Bush
I stand with Simone Biles.
I still stand with Naomi Osaka.Your health and peace matters. You’re reminding Black women that we can take the space we need for ourselves.
— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush showed her support for both Naomi and Simone. She pointed out that these women are setting the bar for self-care and mental health in the Black community.
5. Hoda Kotb
Someone said it best. @Simone_Biles already won. She is a class act. Withdrew from team competion after vault… stayed and cheered on her teammates… got them chalk for their hands.. encouraged.. hugged them. She already won. Congrats on the silver medal! @TeamUSA @USAGym
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Today Show co-host Hoda Kotb points out the obvious; Simone Biles was a winner long before she entered the Olympics. After all, she’s not the most decorated American gymnast for nothing. She literally is the GOAT and withdrawing from the Olympics doesn’t change that.
6. Manny Pacquiao
Once a champion, always a champion. God Bless @Simone_Biles.
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao dropped a few lines from one champion to another.
7. Loni Love
Protect your peace @Simone_Biles .. you are and will always be a champion…. Only positive vibes going out to you !!!!! https://t.co/21bod9owdv
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Comedian and talk show host Loni Love also sent some kind words and high vibes to Simone Biles.
8. Luvvie Ajayi
Prioritizing your mental health is as gold
Y’all not about to stress us out. pic.twitter.com/vHeZ9nioqp
— Luvvie is the #ProfessionalTroublemaker (@Luvvie) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Author Luvvie Ajayi said it best, “Ya’ll not gonna stress us out.” -signed Black women EVERYWHERE.
9. Kavitha Davidson
Simone Biles won nationals w/broken toes in both feet, worlds w/a kidney stone, and has carried the burden of being a face of sexual assault survivors as a national institution failed to support them
Half of y'all yelling about "toughness" can't handle wearing a mask in Wegman's
— Kavitha A. Davidson (@kavithadavidson) July 27, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Sports and Culture Writer Kavitha Davidson broke down how many times Simone Biles pushed through while compromising her physical and mental health.
.
10. Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson has been vocal about her struggles with depression. If anyone knows the importance of prioritizing mental health, its her. In an Instagram post, she showed her support for the gymnast.
Celebrities Flood Simone Biles With Support Over Her Tokyo Olympics Withdrawal was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
1. Michelle Obama
I don’t know about you, but FLOTUS doesn’t send me tweets every time I prioritize my mental health over a competition. This kind of love and support is beyond memorable.
2. Amanda Gorman
Famed poet Amanda Gorman pointed out the misogynist behavior that often plays out in the sports world and beyond. Sadly women are expected to power through things that are overlooked for men.
3. Uzo Aduba
Orange is the New Black actress Uzo Aduba reminded us just how lucky we are to have Simone and the rest of the USA team represent us.
4. Cori Bush
U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush showed her support for both Naomi and Simone. She pointed out that these women are setting the bar for self-care and mental health in the Black community.
5. Hoda Kotb
Today Show co-host Hoda Kotb points out the obvious; Simone Biles was a winner long before she entered the Olympics. After all, she’s not the most decorated American gymnast for nothing. She literally is the GOAT and withdrawing from the Olympics doesn’t change that.
6. Manny Pacquiao
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao dropped a few lines from one champion to another.
7. Loni Love
Comedian and talk show host Loni Love also sent some kind words and high vibes to Simone Biles.
8. Luvvie Ajayi
Author Luvvie Ajayi said it best, “Ya’ll not gonna stress us out.” -signed Black women EVERYWHERE.
9. Kavitha Davidson
Sports and Culture Writer Kavitha Davidson broke down how many times Simone Biles pushed through while compromising her physical and mental health.
.
10. Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson has been vocal about her struggles with depression. If anyone knows the importance of prioritizing mental health, its her. In an Instagram post, she showed her support for the gymnast.
