Simone Biles has been in Madrid for the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards but has been dealing with some fans that are really making things difficult for her.
Taking to Instagram this past Sunday, Biles said that while she appreciates how "passionate and dedicated" many of her fans are, she gets very anxious by fans who wait outside of her hotel all day to see her when there's no event going on.
Biles asked for people to respect her privacy and support her from afar. But she did add that she would have happy to take pictures of her when she's out and about - just not when she's trying to go somewhere private.
“Okay I realllilly love how passionate and dedicated y’all are, BUT I have to be honest: It really makes me anxious when you stand outside of the hotel all day. Can we please please please love from afar & respect privacy xx," Biles wrote. “I would love to take pics while I’m out & about though."
Biles & Mental Health
Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, with a career defined by extraordinary skill, power, and consistency. She rose to global fame at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she won four gold medals and one bronze for United States.
Biles has also dominated the World Championships, winning a record-setting number of medals while introducing skills so difficult they were named after her. Her achievements helped redefine what was possible in women’s gymnastics and inspired athletes around the world.
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Biles has also been an important voice for athlete mental health. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, she withdrew from several events after experiencing the “twisties,” a dangerous mental block that affects spatial awareness during gymnastics skills. Her decision sparked global discussion about pressure, burnout, and the importance of mental wellness in elite sports.
Biles later returned to competition, showing resilience and helping reduce stigma around athletes seeking support. By speaking openly about trauma, anxiety, and mental health, Simone Biles expanded her legacy far beyond medals.
