- Former First Lady Michelle Obama named Olympic gymnast Simone Biles among her four greatest female athletes of all time, alongside Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, and Lisa Leslie.
- Simone Biles responded emotionally to the high praise on social media, telling Michelle Obama, “Mrs. Michelle Obama you made my year.”
- The recognition arrives amid speculation regarding Biles’ potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as she carefully considers family planning and future life milestones.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has offered glowing praise for gymnastics icon Simone Biles, officially naming the multi-time Olympic gold medalist among her top four greatest female athletes of all time. The prestigious endorsement places Biles in the elite company of tennis trailblazers Serena Williams and Billie Jean King, along with basketball legend Lisa Leslie. The tribute quickly caught the attention of Biles, who shared an emotional and heartfelt reaction to the high-profile acknowledgment.
Michelle Obama Praises Simone Biles’ Unrivaled Athletic Feats
Speaking with Coach Jackie J for Is She Game?, Michelle Obama marveled at the unprecedented difficulty, explosive power, and execution that define Biles’ historic career. The former First Lady specifically emphasized the immense physical toll of elite gymnastics and pointed out the extraordinary height Biles achieves on tumbling passes, which easily separates her from virtually every other competitor in the sport.
“Right now, she can do it all,” Michelle said to Coach Jackie J for Is She Game? “I mean, just watching, she’s, you know, there are no words.”
Estimating that the champion gymnast soars up to 13 feet into the air during her peak routines, Michelle Obama succinctly encapsulated her sheer amazement by stating, “It’s nuts.”
Simone Biles Responds to the High-Profile Tribute
The high praise from the acclaimed author and philanthropist resonated deeply with Biles. Despite having amassed a record collection of global titles while navigating intense public and athletic pressure, Biles was visibly moved by the gesture. Taking to Instagram, the decorated Olympian shared the interview clip and addressed the former First Lady directly, expressing her deep gratitude.
“Mrs. Michelle Obama you made my year,” Biles wrote online, underscoring the weight and importance of such appreciation from an iconic cultural figure.
This is not the first time Michelle Obama has publicly voiced support for Biles. During the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Michelle previously celebrated Biles and teammate Jordan Chiles after the American pair bowed to Brazilian gold medalist Rebeca Andrade on the podium during the women’s floor exercise medal ceremony. While the moment drew scattered criticism from some observers, Obama commended the athletes for presenting an unforgettable display of sportsmanship, respect, and unity on the global stage.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Future Considerations
As discussions about Biles’ legacy resurface, the gymnastics world remains focused on whether the 29-year-old will stage another Olympic campaign when the Summer Games arrive in Los Angeles for 2028. Biles holds 11 Olympic medals—including seven golds—accumulated across appearances in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Paris. Despite remaining at the pinnacle of her discipline, Biles has made it clear that personal life choices and family planning are major factors moving forward.
Biles, who married Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens in 2023, has candidly discussed the realities of athletic longevity alongside her desire to raise children in the near future.
“I am getting to the age of 30,” Biles said. “Where we start to talk about, ‘What does your reproduction cycle … what’s going on in there? What does that look like? How healthy is it?’“And so I think these are major things that are on the table at my age that I have to take in consideration and weigh those options and what that looks like and when we want to start a family.”
Why This Matters
Michelle Obama’s assessment cements Simone Biles’ status not merely as a dominant gymnast, but as one of the most transformative figures in all of modern athletics. Grouping Biles with historic pioneers like Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, and Lisa Leslie underscores the long-lasting cultural and athletic footprint Biles has established. Furthermore, Biles’ honest evaluation regarding her biological clock, athlete recovery, and the 2028 Los Angeles Games contributes to an essential conversation across women’s sports regarding how elite female competitors manage peak career milestones alongside personal life goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Michelle Obama name as her top four women athletes?
Michelle Obama selected gymnastics legend Simone Biles alongside tennis icons Serena Williams and Billie Jean King, as well as pioneering basketball star Lisa Leslie.
How did Simone Biles respond to Michelle Obama’s comments?
Biles shared the clip of Michelle Obama’s remarks on Instagram and wrote: “Mrs. Michelle Obama you made my year,” expressing deep appreciation for the recognition.
Has Simone Biles confirmed if she will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
Simone Biles has not officially committed to competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. While she has not ruled out a return, she has stated that family planning with her husband Jonathan Owens and considerations surrounding her age are significant priorities that she is currently weighing.
