The Political Vault: 5 Critical Times Simone Biles Used Her Platform To Challenge The Status Quo

Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in history, has transcended her athletic dominance to become a powerful and often surprising voice in the American political and social landscape. While she has historically avoided the spotlight on partisan issues, the current political climate, particularly around the 2024 election cycle, has seen the Olympic legend use her massive platform to speak out on matters ranging from presidential leadership to athlete safety and women’s rights. This article, updated on December 10, 2025, dives deep into the specific instances where Biles has leveraged her global influence to challenge institutions and advocate for meaningful change, proving her impact extends far beyond the gymnastics mat.

Her political involvement is not a sudden shift but a natural extension of her commitment to social issues, catalyzed by personal trauma and a desire to protect future generations of athletes. From her emotional testimony before the Senate to her subtle yet pointed social media commentary, Biles has established herself as an influential figure whose opinions carry significant weight in national conversations.

Simone Biles: Full Biographical Profile

Simone Arianne Biles Owens (née Biles) is an American artistic gymnast widely regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT).

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• Full Name: Simone Arianne Biles Owens
• Date of Birth: March 14, 1997
• Place of Birth: Columbus, Ohio
• Early Life: Biles and her siblings were placed in foster care before being adopted by her maternal grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, who she considers her parents.
• Olympic Medals: 7 (4 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze)
• World Championship Medals: 30 (23 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze)
• Career Highlights: First woman to land the Yurchenko double pike vault; named AP Female Athlete of the Year (2016, 2019, 2021); Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient (2022).
• Major Activism Roles: Advocate for mental health, survivor of sexual abuse, and advocate for child protection.
• Husband: Jonathan Owens (NFL player)
• Key Events: Withdrew from most events at the Tokyo Olympics (2020) to prioritize mental health; testified before the U.S. Senate regarding the Larry Nassar scandal.

The 2024 Election Cycle: A New Era of Political Commentary

While Biles typically maintains a non-partisan public presence, the heat of the 2024 political season saw her make several notable, and often viral, interventions. These statements were a departure from her previous silence on direct political figures, signaling her willingness to engage with the nation’s political turmoil.

Subtle Swipes and Direct Calls for Action

Following the results of the 2024 presidential election, Biles voiced her clear displeasure with the outcome. She shared a post on her social media channels that was widely interpreted as an expression of her disapproval of Donald Trump’s victory. The commentary was subtle but effective, utilizing her immense social media reach to align herself with a specific political sentiment without a lengthy explanation.

Perhaps more pointed was her recent public message to President Joe Biden. Biles implored the outgoing administration to "make things shake" and "straighten up" before leaving office. This stern request was less about partisan politics and more about demanding impactful leadership during a critical transition period. It reflects a desire for tangible progress on social issues that matter to her, including the protection of "women in America" and the broader state of the nation.

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Another viral moment occurred when Biles posted a seemingly innocuous but powerful phrase: “I love my Black job.” This was a direct, yet humorous, troll of a comment made by Donald Trump regarding "Black jobs," utilizing her status as a successful Black woman to reclaim and recontextualize a racially charged political remark. These instances demonstrate her strategic use of her platform—speaking out only when she feels an issue "directly affects me or pertains to strong beliefs I have."

Activism Born from Trauma: The Nassar Scandal Testimony

Biles’ most profound and politically significant act of advocacy came from a place of deep personal trauma: the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. Her involvement transformed a sports crisis into a national political issue, demanding accountability from powerful institutions.

Holding the FBI and USA Gymnastics Accountable

In September 2021, Biles, alongside fellow gymnasts Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, and Maggie Nichols, delivered emotional testimony before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Her testimony was a scathing indictment of the FBI and the Justice Department for their mishandling and failure to properly investigate the numerous allegations against former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar.

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Biles detailed the "traumatizing" experience, stating that the "burdens" of the abuse and the institutional failure remained with her. Her powerful words highlighted a systemic failure to protect vulnerable young athletes, demanding legislative and procedural changes. This act cemented her role as a leader who prioritizes the well-being of others over her own comfort, challenging the status quo of powerful governing bodies like USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Championing Mental Health and Breaking the Stigma

The "twisties" incident at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 (held in 2021) was a watershed moment for Biles and the global conversation around athlete mental health. Her decision to withdraw from several events was not a political statement in the traditional sense, but its cultural impact was enormous, forcing a societal reckoning with the pressure placed on elite athletes.

From Olympic Withdrawal to Chief Impact Officer

By prioritizing her mental wellness, Biles single-handedly sparked a global debate on the intersection of sport, pressure, and mental health. She normalized the need for professional help and openly discussed her techniques for mental wellness. This advocacy led to a formal role as the Chief Impact Officer for Cerebral, an online mental health service, further solidifying her commitment to accessible mental care. Her actions have been praised by organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for minimizing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Her advocacy is a political act because it challenges the long-held, often toxic, cultural expectation that athletes must suppress vulnerability for the sake of competition. It advocates for a new, inclusive leadership model in sports that values the holistic well-being of the individual.

The Transgender Athlete Debate: A Stance on Social Issues

In one of her more controversial political engagements, Biles weighed in on the complex issue of transgender athletes in women's sports. Her stance, which was supportive of inclusive policies, drew immediate and sharp criticism from vocal opponents.

Former U.S. swimmer Riley Gaines publicly called Biles out, labeling her position as "disappointing" and insinuating that Biles should compete in men's gymnastics due to her physical dominance and viewpoints. Biles’ willingness to enter this contentious social debate demonstrates her commitment to broader social issues, even when they put her at odds with other prominent athletes and political commentators. Her position highlights the growing pressure on high-profile figures to take sides on complex gender politics and social issues.

Ultimately, Simone Biles’ political identity is not defined by a single party affiliation but by her unwavering dedication to advocacy. Whether she is demanding accountability from the FBI, challenging a sitting president, or breaking the stigma around mental health, Biles uses her voice to champion the vulnerable and force powerful institutions to change. Her career has become a legacy of leadership, inspiring a generation to challenge the status quo and advocate for well-being and justice.