“My King”: Simone Biles Gets Her Flowers From Once Aspiring Gymnast Turned Pop Sensation SZA

Simone Biles has been applauded by many after her stunning victory at the Xfinity US Championship 2024, and adding to the list now is the ‘Kill Bill’ singer Solana Imani Rowe, aka SZA! Boasting a total of 4 Grammys wins, 3 of which she earned this year, SZA was also a gymnast for 13 years before she stepped into the music world. Crediting to her first love for gymnastics, she has picked her favorite—the GOAT, Simone Biles!

What Biles accomplished this US Championship wasn’t anything short of fantastic. In an event filled with numerous falls and setbacks, she emerged victorious despite her fall on the vault! With a total score of 119.750, she claimed her 9th US Championship title! After dealing with her ‘twisties’ situation, she made her comeback last year in a very commendable manner, and the 2024 championship has only attested to her GOAT title. It’s clear that she is in in it to win it! Her flawless performance along with her determination and grit is what has gained her so much love and support; including SZA!

On Instagram, pop sensation SZA shared a Gymnastics Now post from @planetofgymnastics, applauding Simone Biles’ achievements in the Xfinity Games. SZA wrote, “MY KING” expressing her immense admiration for the elite gymnast. In the Gymnastics Now post, they wrote, “Simone Biles scores a 15.200 on the floor to become the first woman in the world to go over a 60 this quad with a 60.450.” 

Simone Biles outshined competitors like Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello clinching the top spot. Besides that, she also won all individual event titles. With 30.425 on vaults, 29.050 on Uneven Bars, 29.600 on Balance Beams, and 30.300 on the floor exercise. She won the 9th-ever Xfinity US Championship title at the final event before the lead-up to the US Olympic trials at the end of June.

Digging into Rowe’s history, initially, she aspired to be either a scientist or a gymnast. But she caught on to the sport really early and really fast. By just following her love and passion, she was a gymnast for 13 long years and was amongst the top 5 US gymnasts. “I directed all my attention to it. I did really well … and was captain of my team. I was hardcore USA Gymnastics.” 

SZA explained show gymnastics allowed her a chance to vent, saying she would, “freak [ herself] out and then mind-over-matter [herself]” However she gave it up when she realized that she didn’t have the prowess to make it to the Olympics. Saying, “If I can’t win, I won’t play.” Which was a correct decision since her songs have gained her over 48 awards and 193 nominations. However, SZA continues to follow the sport closely. 

SZA and Simone Biles carve their paths of excellence

They recently became linked through their nominations for the BET awards. SZA received a nomination for Best Female R&B/Pop artist. As well as Video of the Year with “Oh my mama” and Best collaboration with iconic rapper Drake. Simone Biles received a nomination for Sportswoman of the Year alongside Angel Reese and Juju Watkins. The award show will be held on June 30, 2024, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Fans are eagerly anticipating a meeting between the two stars.

Simone and SZA both inspire a generation of young singers and gymnasts. Biles previously opened up in an interview about her anxiety and panic attacks. She then urged people to take care of themselves, saying, “We have to protect our body and our mind. It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head. Whenever you get in a high-stress situation, you kind of freak out. I have to focus on my mental health and well-being.”

SZA shared her personal experiences, highlighting the challenge of aligning outside perceptions with inner struggles. She candidly admitted, “It’s weird sometimes, when your personal thoughts and feelings align with some of the things people say about you. It’s tough. It’s hard not to fall into that weird hole of self-loathing,” she added, underscoring the emotional complexity of navigating public scrutiny and internal battles. That’s why it is so important for stars to lift each other, just as SZA did for Simone Biles. We’re sure the future will be just as bright for them as the present.