Simone Biles, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist, once again made headlines, not just for her athletic accomplishments, but for her bold new look at the 2024 CMA Awards. Biles turned heads in a dazzling silver gown, but it was her new chin-length bob haircut that truly captured attention. This change marked a departure from her signature high ponytail, a style she had worn for years during her gymnastics routines. The transformation came after she wrapped up her Gold Over America Tour, signaling her readiness to make waves both on and off the gymnastics stage.
While many fans applauded her stunning appearance, some online detractors focused on her hairstyle, continuing a pattern of criticism she faced during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite her remarkable performances in the gym, where she earned some of the highest scores for her team, critics still chose to fixate on her hair. Biles, however, did not shy away from responding to the negativity. Taking to Instagram, she addressed the criticism directly, telling followers, “Don’t come for me about my hair.” She explained that her hairstyle during the Paris Olympics was influenced by the challenging conditions, including lack of air conditioning and long bus rides. Biles further emphasized, “Next time you wanna comment on a black girl’s hair, JUST DON’T,” sending a powerful message of self-assurance and defiance against unjust scrutiny.
This backlash against Biles’ appearance draws a parallel to the criticism faced by fellow gymnast Gabby Douglas during her groundbreaking performances at the 2012 London Olympics. Douglas was harshly ridiculed for her slicked-back bun, a hairstyle that caused significant damage to her hair due to the tightness required for gymnastics. She later revealed how this led to bald spots and emotional distress, admitting to feeling self-conscious. However, Douglas found strength in embracing her natural beauty, eventually sharing how she proudly wore her hair without extensions, chemicals, or clip-ins. Both Biles and Douglas have become icons in their sport, but their hair has often overshadowed their incredible achievements, highlighting the ongoing societal bias that Black women face regarding their appearance.
The criticism of their hairstyles reflects a deeper issue of bias, where their athletic success is undermined by a fixation on their looks. This has led to questions about why society places such importance on appearance, even when these athletes are breaking records and redefining excellence in gymnastics. The conversation has sparked a larger debate on the unfair scrutiny of Black female athletes, who are often judged for their hair instead of their achievements.
Despite the criticism, Biles and Douglas have continued to reclaim their narratives, using their platforms to push back against these distractions. Biles’ defiant response to the backlash at the CMA Awards reinforces her commitment to rejecting negativity, proving that excellence in athletics should not be overshadowed by superficial judgments. As both athletes continue to break barriers, their resilience in the face of such scrutiny serves as a powerful statement against societal biases.