"Everyone makes it to be some big rivalry"- When Simone Biles opened up on her bond with Gabby Douglas amid popular perceptions

Simone Biles once shared how people perceived her and Gabby Douglas as rivals when they were friends on and off the mat and even helped each other with make-up. Before Biles won the all-around event at the 2016 Rio Games, Douglas became the first African American to win the all-around title at the 2012 Games.

Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas shared the stage at the 2016 Summer Olympics and contributed to the US women's gymnastics team's gold finish. Though Biles and Aly Raisman outscored Douglas in the all-around competition, the two-per-team rule ended her chances to defend her title. In the same Games edition, Biles won gold medals in the team, all-around, vault, and floor alongside a bronze in the balance beam.

After the event, in 2016, Biles spoke with Refinery, clarifying that she and Douglas were not rivals despite being Olympic all-around champions.

"We’re friends, in and out of the gym. Everyone makes it [out] to be some big rivalry, but we’re just friends! We always want the best for each other, and whenever we have a team competition, we’re just excited that we get to share that memory together."

She further shared how they often shared makeup during global competitions.

"Sometimes we’ll go to each other's rooms if we need [makeup], like if someone has blue eyeliner or red lipstick. At Worlds, Gabby had me do her [hair] bows."

After competing at the 2016 Olympics, Gabby Douglas was off the gymnastics mat for eight years until she returned in 2024, aiming to make the US team for the Paris Games.

Though she missed the Winter Cup in the wake of COVID-19, she returned to the American Classic and finished second on vault. She didn't earn a qualification for the National championships and injuries kept her out of the Core Hydration Classic and the Paris finals.

Gabby Douglas silenced trolls who constantly compared her with Simone Biles

Gymnastics - 2024 Core Hydration Classic - Source: Getty

Earlier this year, a TikTok account named 'Legacyyy' posted a video explaining how people 'dropped' Gabby Douglas when Simone Biles reached the helm of artistic gymnastics.

"Nobody cares about Gabby Douglas anymore. When [was] the last time you thought about Gabby Douglas? I think about her all the time," the creator said.

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The video received global attention and infuriated Douglas, who expressed disappointment at being bullied constantly and compared to her teammate.

"That’s ok! constantly being bullied is very tiring and wearing on me. just want to live my life and be at peace. thanks for the love! definitely needed in this world x," she commented below the post.

Simone Biles recently concluded the 30-city Gold Over America tour after her success at the Paris Olympics 2024.