As Dancing with the Stars marks its 20-year anniversary, the former host, Tom Bergeron, revisited one of the show’s most talked-about moments. And it was all about his interaction with the 11-time Olympic gold medalist, Simone Biles. It was an incident that marked her stance in the DWTS season 24, 2017, even though she ended the show in the fourth spot. So, what was the moment that Bergeron couldn’t forget?

Taking to Instagram, Bergeron shared a picture of himself with the ‘Queen of Flips’. The picture was iconic and marked Biles’ stern comeback on her shirt. The white text on her black shirt read, “SMILING DOESN’T WIN GOLD MEDALS.” And while Bergeron’s expression in the photograph marked his shock as he smiled to the camera, Biles simply stared, with no smile on her face. 

In the caption, the former DWTS host wrote, “Best Comeback Department: Overall, my live TV tenure had only a few “Foot In Mouth” moments.  The most memorable, to me anyway, was my comment to @simonebiles after @carrieanninaba’s supportive words following more negative dance criticism from Len & @brunotonioliofficial.”

He pointed out Biles’ response when he noticed that she wasn’t really smiling when judge Carrie Ann praised her performance. He continued, “(Because what woman doesn’t love it when a dude brings up smiling? 🤦🏻) Simone’s response was instantaneous & brilliant & a few days later, when she showed up wearing this t-shirt, I posed for this sheepish shot by her side.” 

Yes, Simone Biles hurled the same words that she wore in the photograph at Tom Bergeron during their previous interaction. But do you know that she was really struggling in the background? And that struggle locked her smile at DWTS.

Simone Biles reveals the reason behind her stern response at DWTS season 24

During a conversation with Entertainment Tonight right after she received the ‘smiling’ comments from the judges, Biles revealed, “I feel like I am trying, I am being honest, but if they don’t see that, I don’t know what more I can do. I had tears in my eyes.” She confessed that she almost ran to the bathroom at one point just to escape from the stage and cry. But she showcased her championship stance and pulled it together. 

But it was a journey that Simone Biles would never forget. When a SK-II spokesperson claimed that the DWTS experience taught her a lot, the gymnast had to agree. She said, “Yes, this is a journey that I’ve embarked on, and I’ve done things. I’ve never danced in heels, never danced with a guy, so I feel like I’ve won a lot. I’ve won a friendship for life [with Farber]. I’ve been non-stop since the Olympics. I’ll have a week off.” 

Looking back, that moment revealed the weight Biles carried beneath the spotlight and how she turned vulnerability into strength. Her candid honesty and unshakable composure left a lasting impression, reminding fans and critics alike that true champions aren’t defined by smiles, but by resilience in the face of pressure. And now, it’s Jordan Chiles, Biles’ close friend and teammate, who’s rocking the DWTS stage.