Simone Biles strongly asserts that “there is no room for racism in any sport.” and she has demonstrated this conviction through her actions. Her journey to becoming one of the best gymnasts in history has been particularly challenging due to her identity as a Black woman. At the age of 16, Biles made a mark on the World Gymnastics Championships by becoming the Black woman to clinch victory in the all-around competition. Despite this accomplishment, it was marred by a remark from Italian gymnast Carlotta Ferlito, who suggested that Biles’ success was solely due to her skin color rather than her talent stating, “We should also paint our skin black so then we can win, too.”

Despite facing such blatant racism, Biles has risen above, making Black women everywhere proud of her achievements. Boasting a total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, she stands as the most decorated gymnast in history. But how proud is Simone Biles of her accomplishments as a Black woman? Recently, in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Gregory Milan—a former French international dancer and graduate of l’Opéra de Paris, who is currently choreographing Biles for Paris 2024—shared how immensely proud Simone is of her accomplishments.

Milan initially had a hard time making a place for himself in gymnastics. “It’s not easy to be accepted,” he says. Since he didn’t come from a gymnastics background, people didn’t trust him at first, even though his dance and gymnastics share very high standards. However, Simone Biles trusted him for the grandest stage of all—Paris 2024. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Milan revealed how proud he is of Biles, highlighting her achievements as a Black woman and how she embodies resilience.

When the host Mahalaxmi Murali in an interview with EssentiallySports asked Milan about his pride in Simone, Milan responded, “I also think she is beginning to understand that she is a woman who has succeeded and is living the American dream. Today, she can say she is proud and makes the entire Black community proud. And for that, I am proud of Simone. And for that, I am immensely proud of Simone.” Milan’s sentiment resonated deeply, echoing the profound words of Beyoncé.

“Blacks, we are the most talented, we are the strongest,” affirming that Simone Biles exemplifies this truth through her remarkable achievements. Milan concluded, “ and Simone is proof of that.” Even Usain Bolt once praised Simone Biles, saying, ‘I really appreciate Simone Biles.‘ Even Aly Raisman expressed her pride, stating, ‘I’m very proud of Simone.’

Milan further says, “And for that alone, I am proud to have known Simone, to have worked with Simone, and the American people can be very proud of Simone, and the African-American community, I hope, are very, very proud of Simone,” showed his respect for Biles. However, Biles’ influence extends even further.  she’s often hailed as the Beyoncé of gymnastics. To understand why, let’s go back to her journey in 2014.

Simone Biles’ Beyoncé moment in fandom lore

Simone Biles is undoubtedly the G.O.A.T of gymnastics while Beyoncé stands as one of the most iconic pop musicians in history. Biles made history by winning four gold medals in an Olympics in Rio 2016. On the other hand, Beyoncé has received the most Grammy Awards nominations of any female artist, in history. Biles looked up to Beyoncé while growing up and Biles was lovingly called the “Beyoncé of gymnastics” by fans in 2014. Biles took the comparison lightly and humorously on X, showing her gratitude for her fans creativity. The similarities, between Biles and Beyoncé extended beyond their talents.

After the Rio Olympics, Biles got to meet Beyoncé in person. At the Sherri Hill fashion show interview, Biles shared her experience of meeting her idol. When asked if she ever fangirled over meeting someone, Biles excitedly mentioned “Beyoncé”. She was pleasantly surprised when Beyoncé not only knew her but also recognized she was from Houston. Biles admitted that the encounter made her feel thrilled inside, showing how much Beyoncé meant to her as an artist and a fellow Houstonian. This beautifully encapsulates Biles’ global impact, extending beyond the Black community.