Sports
Simone Biles Melts Hearts with Adorable Fan Interaction at Invitational
HOUSTON, Texas — Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, continues to inspire fans of all ages, as evidenced by a heartwarming interaction with a 3-year-old admirer at the Simone Biles Invitational. The event, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, kicked off on January 31, 2025, with Biles taking center stage both on and off the mat.
The Olympian shared a touching moment on her Instagram story, resharing a video of young fan Sloan pretending to call her on a toy phone. In the clip, Sloan excitedly tells her mother, “I need to call Sibone Miles now,” before engaging in a make-believe conversation with her idol. Biles, visibly moved by the toddler’s adoration, revealed she had met Sloan earlier that day. “My heart [emoji] I got to meet sweet Sloan today!!!! she did her sassy [emoji] pose w/me! so adorable! DAY MADE,” Biles captioned the post.
Sloan’s admiration for Biles is no secret. Her mother, Alexandra K, has frequently shared videos of the toddler emulating the gymnast, including one where Sloan practices her own routines while declaring, “I’m Simone Biles again!” The family’s connection to Biles deepened after attending the Gold Over America Tour last year, where Sloan was captivated by the Olympian’s performances.
Biles’ influence extends far beyond Sloan. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, a 6-year-old girl named Sophia from Lafayette expressed her own Olympic dreams after watching Biles compete. Similarly, a 5-year-old gymnast named Nova gained attention for her balance beam routine, which Biles praised with a comment: “The little strut. Get it girl!!!!” Nova later met Biles at an event in 2023, further cementing the gymnast’s role as a generational icon.
Nadia Comaneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in Olympic history, has also weighed in on Biles’ legacy. “She’s this generation’s modern idol right now,” Comaneci said, highlighting Biles’ ability to inspire both young athletes and seasoned fans alike.
The Simone Biles Invitational, a three-day event, showcased the gymnast’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. Alongside fellow gymnasts Joscelyn Roberson and Dulcy Caylor, Biles signed autographs and interacted with fans, further solidifying her reputation as a role model. The event also served as a reminder of Biles’ unparalleled achievements, including her historic performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she helped Team USA reclaim the team gold and secured individual victories in the all-around and vault events.
As Biles continues to balance her competitive career with her role as a mentor, her impact on the sport remains undeniable. Whether through her record-breaking routines or her heartfelt interactions with young fans, Biles is redefining what it means to be a champion.