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Anytime USA gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles makes a public appearance, it’s a pretty big deal.
The 28-year-old Biles, who won three gold medals (all-around, team event, vault) and one silver (floor exercise) at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is the most-decorated gymnast of all-time (11 Olympic medals, 30 World Championship medals) and one of the biggest sports stars in the world.
So when Biles and her husband, Chicago bears safety Jonathan Owens, made an appearance at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, the couple immediately started trending on social media.
Many fans were complimentary of Biles’ Derby outfit—a strapless lavender dress that cinched at the waist along with a matching lavender hat with a giant feather on top—and the coordination with Owens, who wore a matching lavender jacket and hat along with a white shirt and cream colored pants.
Olympian Simone Biles announced 'Riders Up' in the Paddock before the start of the 2025 Kentucky Derby.Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, where Biles received some criticism was on her delivery of the race’s traditional “riders up” call, which signals the jockeys to get on their horses.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment,” Biles stated before leaning forward and saying “riders up” and blowing a kiss to the crowd.
Some fans on social media praised Biles for the job she did, crediting her for showing passion during her performance, others didn’t think so favorably of Biles’ delivery, calling it “cringey” and “ridiculous.”
“Was a bit cringy tbh. I didn't expect this from Simone Biles. Why all the cutesy, cringy actions?? Livvy Dunn did a much better & professional job for the Oaks the day before,” one fan wrote.
“It was cringy.. she doesn't normally talk like that. Right? Haha maybe she does idk,” another fan commented.
“I actually cringed. I like her, but... ,” a third fan added.
“She sounded like a 2 year old,” one user quipped.
“Seriously. She sounded ridiculous. Looked nice though,” another user stated.
“She looked pretty, but I'm sorry, she sounded ridiculous,” one fan noted.
“Ewwwww what is the leaning in and the tongue and the kiss Cringe,” remarked another user.
While her “riders up” moment may have rubbed some the wrong way, it’s clear from the outpouring of support for her and Owens’ Derby fashion choice, there was more positive than negative for Biles to take away from the event.
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The 28-year-old Biles, who won three gold medals (all-around, team event, vault) and one silver (floor exercise) at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is the most-decorated gymnast of all-time (11 Olympic medals, 30 World Championship medals) and one of the biggest sports stars in the world.
So when Biles and her husband, Chicago bears safety Jonathan Owens, made an appearance at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, the couple immediately started trending on social media.
Many fans were complimentary of Biles’ Derby outfit—a strapless lavender dress that cinched at the waist along with a matching lavender hat with a giant feather on top—and the coordination with Owens, who wore a matching lavender jacket and hat along with a white shirt and cream colored pants.
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Olympian Simone Biles announced 'Riders Up' in the Paddock before the start of the 2025 Kentucky Derby.Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, where Biles received some criticism was on her delivery of the race’s traditional “riders up” call, which signals the jockeys to get on their horses.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment,” Biles stated before leaning forward and saying “riders up” and blowing a kiss to the crowd.
Some fans on social media praised Biles for the job she did, crediting her for showing passion during her performance, others didn’t think so favorably of Biles’ delivery, calling it “cringey” and “ridiculous.”
“Was a bit cringy tbh. I didn't expect this from Simone Biles. Why all the cutesy, cringy actions?? Livvy Dunn did a much better & professional job for the Oaks the day before,” one fan wrote.
“It was cringy.. she doesn't normally talk like that. Right? Haha maybe she does idk,” another fan commented.
“I actually cringed. I like her, but... ,” a third fan added.
“She sounded like a 2 year old,” one user quipped.
“Seriously. She sounded ridiculous. Looked nice though,” another user stated.
“She looked pretty, but I'm sorry, she sounded ridiculous,” one fan noted.
“Ewwwww what is the leaning in and the tongue and the kiss Cringe,” remarked another user.
While her “riders up” moment may have rubbed some the wrong way, it’s clear from the outpouring of support for her and Owens’ Derby fashion choice, there was more positive than negative for Biles to take away from the event.
Related: U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Makes Major Simone Biles Announcement
Related: Simone Biles Makes Big Announcement About 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Related: Simone Biles Makes Big Announcement About 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
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