Let’s rewind to July last year—back when the excitement for the Paris Olympics was in full swing. Simone Biles was gearing up for her third Olympic appearance, while Sha’Carri Richardson was laser-focused on making her long-awaited Olympic debut. After missing out on Tokyo, Paris was her shot at silencing the doubters and breaking the jinx. But before July even rolled around, Simone had already secured something major. Back in April, she was honored with the Comeback of the Year award by Laureus—a testament to her resilience. Yet, when she stood in front of the camera, microphone in hand, it wasn’t just about her. Confused? Well, she had another name on her lips!

It was Sha’Carri Richardson. Simone was asked to pick her favorite sporting moment of 2023. Without hesitation, she chose Sha’Carri’s electrifying victory in the women’s 100m final at the Budapest World Athletics Championships. And it wasn’t just about the win—it was about the fight behind it. Praising the sprinter’s unwavering spirit, Simone declared, “She keeps pushing forward, she never gave up, she showed up, and she showed out.” It was a powerful cross-sports nod between two icons. Now, that same connection is making headlines again. But this time, it’s not Laureus or World Athletics bringing them together—it’s ‘Complex!’

On March 12, Complex dropped its list of the 10 most influential female athletes right now, and guess what? Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson both landed in the top five. Simone claimed the No. 3 spot, while Sha’Carri was right behind at No. 4. And following them at No. 5, who was that? None other than WNBA superstar A’Ja Wilson. Talk about a powerhouse trio. Last year the trio was phenomenal in the sports. Moreover, their impact was also visible way beyond the boundary of the sport. 

Sha’Carri Richardson has already carved out a space for herself in fashion and music, proudly embracing her cultural roots. But she’s not alone in this movement. Simone Biles and A’Ja Wilson are making just as much noise—each in their own powerhouse way.

In Paris, Simone didn’t just win—she made history. At 27, she became the oldest female gymnast to claim the Olympic all-around title in women’s artistic gymnastics. And if that wasn’t enough, she also became the first Black woman to secure two Olympic all-around golds in a sport where Black women remain underrepresented. But Simone’s impact goes far beyond medals. Complex has rightfully crowned her as the flag bearer for prioritizing mental health—something she’s championed for years. A’Ja Wilson, on the other hand, is a force both on and off the court. 

The 28-year-old WNBA star has been one of the loudest voices pushing for racial and gender equity in sports, advocating for pay equality, better media representation, and greater investment in women’s basketball. But she’s not just speaking up—she’s showing up. She’s a cover girl for various magazines and brands such as TIME, Nike, etc., and a dominant force in the sneaker game, and, oh yeah, a best-selling author too.

A’Ja Wilson’s book, Dear Black Girls, landed on the New York Times Best Sellers list last year, earning high praise from none other than Gabrielle Union, who called it a “must-read for every Black girl out there.” The trio of Simone, A’Ja, and Sha’Carri now stand among the best. But they’re in splendid company, sharing the stage with the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, and Coco Gauff. Honorable mentions? Jordan Chiles, Naomi Osaka, Livvy Dunne, and more. And yet, Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson will soon find themselves together again—this time, on another prestigious list that will cement their legacy even further.

Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson will grace a prestigious list in the coming days 

“See you at the Met Gala!” Simone Biles casually dropped the bombshell on her Instagram story, sending fans into a frenzy. Attending fashion’s biggest night is already an honor, but what makes this year extra special for the gymnastics legend?

For starters, this won’t be just another red carpet moment for Simone—it’s a milestone. She’ll be gracing the Met Gala alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens, making history as the first-ever sports couple to receive a joint invitation. And that’s not all! Simone isn’t just a guest this time—she’s stepping into a powerful role as a member of the 2025 Met Gala host committee. She’ll be joining forces with fellow Olympians LeBron James and Sha’Carri Richardson, who have been named honorary chairs. With the grand event set to unfold at New York’s iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, all eyes will be on Simone as she balances elegance, history, and sports royalty—all in one unforgettable night.