Simone Biles continues to make history at the 2025 ESPY Awards, earning her second Best Female Athlete award of the night and extending her total ESPY wins to seven!
The 28-year-old U.S. gymnast received the prestigious honor during the ceremony on Wednesday, July 16, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Actress Alison Brie presented the award to Biles, who graciously accepted it with a smile.
“Thank you — again,” Biles said, acknowledging the recognition. She took a moment to thank ESPN for their efforts in spotlighting women’s sports more frequently, before cutting her speech short in her trademark humble style.
This marks Biles’ second time winning the Best Female Athlete ESPY, her first win being in 2017. With seven ESPYs in total, she has solidified herself as one of the most decorated athletes in history.
Earlier in the evening, Biles was also honored with the Best Championship Performance award, which she said was especially meaningful.
“The recognition means more than you guys know,” Biles shared with the audience. “I would like to thank the people who have stood with me on this journey — my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family, and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way.”
Biles emphasized the importance of a strong support system in both victory and struggle, adding: “Having a strong support system that understands your dreams, who are willing to show up for you, not just when you’re winning, but when you’re struggling too, is really important.”
Her speech was filled with gratitude, appreciation, and love for those who’ve supported her throughout her incredible career.
The awards followed Biles’ triumphant return to the Olympic stage in 2024. After withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the mental health challenge known as “the twisties”, Biles made an epic comeback at the Paris Olympics in 2024. She earned three gold medals in vault, all-around, and team competition, along with a silver medal in the floor routine.
Hailing from Spring, Texas, Biles’ 2023-24 performance was nothing short of remarkable, proving her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
With five gymnastics moves named after her, and a career total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she continues to be widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time.
The 2025 ESPY Awards, aired live on ABC, celebrated Biles’ continued success, and fans of the gymnast worldwide couldn’t have been more thrilled to see her receive the recognition she truly deserves.
