Home/Gymnastics

via Imago

via Imago

0
  Debate

Debate

Is Simone Biles the greatest inspiration for young athletes today, or is there someone else?

Serena Williams‘ daughter Olympia is already dipping her toes into the Olympic world! On October 15, the Gold Over America Tour turned into a bit of a G.O.A.T.-fest when Serena, her husband Alexis Ohanian, and little Olympia showed up to watch the gymnastics spectacle. The meet-and-greet photos shared on Instagram were beyond cute, and it turns out Olympia is a huge Simone Biles fan—just like the rest of us! Well, if we go back eight years, it was Kim Kardashian’s daughter North who was just as starstruck by the 11x Olympian. Yes, you heard that right!

Back in 2016, when Simone Biles made her Olympic debut and claimed five medals—four gold and one bronze—she became an instant inspiration, even for Kim Kardashian’s daughter, North. North, who was just three at the time, was apparently copying Biles’ moves. Kim shared the adorable moment on X, writing, “North is watching @Simone_Biles in awe. She’s rolling around on the bed pretending to copy her lol.”

Biles, being the sweet person she is, responded with, “Aww that is just too cute! She totally needs a #gkSimone leo and she’ll be my mini me!” Kim also reminisced about her love for gymnastics, tweeting about how she had watched the sport live at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

During the Rio Games, Kim even sent Biles even more support, wishing the then-19-year-old “the best of luck” in a video. Biles thanked her on social media, admitting she was “obsessed with North.” Kim later joked that North had just started gymnastics and said, “Maybe she can show you some moves?” Now, it seems like history is repeating itself, with Serena Williams’ daughter Olympia following in North’s footsteps, showing her love for Simone Biles as well!

Simone Biles creates ripples of inspiration in sports

On October 15, Alexis Ohanian posted an adorable series of photos on Instagram featuring Olympia, 7, meeting Simone Biles at the Gold Over America Tour. Olympia was all smiles in her pink pants and matching sweater as she posed alongside Biles, who had her arm around her while wearing a stunning gold leotard.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In his caption, Ohanian wrote, “I had to take S & Jr to see @simonebiles’ Gold Over America Tour. Packed house. Awesome night. Don’t miss it if they’re coming to your town. 🥇🥇🥇” He also thanked Biles and Chiles for making Olympia’s month and joked about trying to make pancakes shaped like Olympia in one of her new leotards, saying, “Sorry babygirl, photorealism is hard” and “the batter was too runny today.”

Back in May, Biles returned to the gymnastics floor, wowing everyone with her performances. Olympia, who is a big fan of sports like soccer and gymnastics, had an animated reaction when she saw a clip of Biles in action during her comeback. Her father, Alexis Ohanian, shared on social media, “Jr. sees this and starts tumbling over the sofa. Love to see it.” It’s clear Olympia’s love for gymnastics is growing, and the family is enjoying every minute of it! Not just Serena and Kim—even the NBA G.O.A.T.’s daughter is also in awe of Simone Biles.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Simone Biles the greatest inspiration for young athletes today, or is there someone else?

Have an interesting take?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, who stands at 6-foot-9, has always admired Biles, who is nearly half his height at 4-foot-8. Well, back in July, he called her worthy of his respect. James spoke about how much Biles means to his 9-year-old daughter, Zhuri, who is following in the legendary gymnast’s footsteps.

LeBron said, “She’s an inspiration to my daughter and to all…if you love greatness.” He also added, “Simone is super dope. And she’s an inspiration not only to Black girls in the world, but to kids everywhere, in any field, not just gymnastics.” Zhuri, who started showing her rhythmic gymnastics skills at just five, is already showing the same kind of passion and energy. LeBron often shares proud moments of Zhuri twirling her makeshift ribbon around their home or joining him in the gym for a workout. Just like her dad, Zhuri is focused and dedicated, and maybe one day she’ll be the next big name in gymnastics, following the incredible legacy of Simone Biles.