Simone Biles, the undisputed gymnastics icon, has continued to solidify her status in history as the most decorated U.S. gymnast of all time, with two new gold medals recently secured at the Paris Olympic Games. 

On Thursday, Biles used the opportunity to swipe at the former president on social media for his recent comments. 

During his appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago this week, former President Donald Trump spoke about the role illegal immigrants play in the U.S. economy, “They’re taking black jobs now, and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people… They’re taking black jobs, and they’re taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven’t seen it yet, but you’re going to see something that’s going to be the worst in our history.”

In response to Trump’s comments, singer Ricky Davila posted a picture of Biles with her medals to X, accompanied by the caption, “Simone Biles being the GOAT, winning Gold medals and dominating gymnastics is her black job.”

Biles reposted the post with a post-victory message, “I love my black job,” a quip widely interpreted as a direct response to Trump’s language. Her post also followed the comments made by Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), in which he referred to Biles as “weak” for her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 due to mental health concerns.

Vance’s remarks, which resurfaced after Biles’ latest triumph, sparked further outrage. Vance had argued that the media had “turned this into this weird therapeutic moment” with praise for Biles’ dedication to her mental health, “strength,” and “safety.” 

However, most people have argued that a person’s mental well-being should always be prioritized. As a young black woman in America, Biles is more intensely scrutinized for her decision not to participate, despite the heightened display of strength it takes to her own needs over the country’s amusement.

Biles’ ability to remain steadfast in the face of criticism has only served to cement her status as an inspiration further.

In 2020, Biles spoke to uInterview about the investigation into the abuse of U.S. gymnasts. “At the end of the, day we still need to know and have an independent investigation,” Biles said at a Team USA media summit. “So, for some of us survivors, it is disheartening to know that that hasn’t happened, and as one of the survivors is still out there competing. I feel like they just want to sweep it under the rug but that’s not how to go about it.”

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Article by Baila Eve Zisman

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