PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 03: Simone Biles of Team United States celebrates after finishing her routine during the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Vault Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

In a world where teammates can quickly turn into rivals, Simone Biles just got a beautiful reminder of what true support looks like. She’s been on a roll lately, stacking up wins and wowing fans, but it was a recent honor that really hit home. But what made it truly unforgettable? A quiet, heartfelt nod from someone who once stood right beside her on the mat, one of the ‘Final Five’ of the Rio Olympics. The teammate in question? Alexandra “Aly” Raisman.

Simone Biles has been unstoppable lately. She’s not just collecting medals; she’s redefining greatness. So, when she was recently recognized with a major honor, it felt more than well-deserved—it felt like a moment. Biles won 11 Olympic medals from Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024, including seven gold medals. Off the mat, she is a passionate globetrotter and an inspiration for many budding gymnasts around the world. With the new addition of honor to her list, her legacy just got even more solid.

Simone Biles has been recognized as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. She stands proudly among all the “Titans” who have been honored by the magazine. Sharing the same platform as her is tennis legend, Serena Williams. The USA Gymnastics official Instagram handle posted about the Raisman message along with the congratulations note. Biles also reshared the same post on her Instagram story.

Aly Raisman and Simone Biles go way back to their “Final Five” days in Rio, where they lit up the world stage together. Aly’s message was more than just kind words—it was a tribute to resilience. She reflected on Simone’s strength, not just as a gymnast but as a human being who’s shown the world what it means to rise, fall, and rise again.

This was not the first time Simone Biles got this honor. The gymnastics star was named a “Titan” in TIME’s 2021 list of the 100 Most Influential People as well. The title doesn’t come lightly; it’s reserved for those who absolutely dominate in their field. And let’s be real—when it comes to gymnastics, Simone doesn’t just raise the bar… she is the bar.

Look back at the shared journey of Simone Biles and Alexandra Raisman

When Simone Biles and Aly Raisman teamed up at the 2016 Rio Olympics, they were unstoppable. They weren’t just teammates—they were a dynamic duo, leading Team USA to gold in the team event. You may ask, how? Well, Simone stole the spotlight with her all-around gold, and Aly grabbed silver in both the all-around and floor events. Their bond? Unbreakable. Simone even called Aly “Grandma” because of their age gap, making us all smile at their playful friendship.

But it wasn’t just about Olympic gold for Aly. She’s also a six-time Olympic medalist and an advocate for athlete safety. After the Larry Nassar scandal rocked the gymnastics world, Aly Raisman didn’t stay silent—she stepped up. Simone Biles has become a powerful voice for change, calling out the system and pushing for real reforms within USA Gymnastics. Honestly, her courage off the mat is just as inspiring as her medal-winning routines.

And Simone? She’s still rewriting the rulebook. Even without confirming a return to competition, she’s busier than ever. She recently joined Religion of Sports as a creative partner and board member, diving into meaningful projects like her Netflix docuseries Simone Biles Rising and the Facebook Watch show Simone vs. Herself. It’s clear—whether she’s flipping on the mat or creating from behind the scenes, Simone’s impact isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Together, Simone and Aly aren’t just champions—they’re changemakers. They’ve shown the world that true greatness isn’t just about gold medals. It’s about lifting each other up, speaking out when it matters most, and turning their shared journey into a movement that’s bigger than sport.