On a bright Monday morning, May 12, the graduating class of Washington University in St. Louis filed into their seats with tassels swaying and hearts brimming with excitement. Among the sea of green robes stood a woman who had defied gravity, expectations, and limits her entire life. That woman was Simone Biles, Olympic icon, gymnastics legend — and now, honorary doctor.

As the applause echoed through the auditorium, Simone stepped up to the podium to deliver the commencement address. Her speech, just over 12 minutes, was as moving as it was motivational. She spoke candidly about her journey — from a young girl with a dream of becoming a pediatrician to a world-renowned athlete who’d flipped her way into history books. It was a proud, powerful moment. And later that day, Simone did what any 21st-century legend would do: she shared it online. Taking to Threads, she posted a celebratory message with a wink of humor:  “it’s Dr. Biles to you 🫶🏾.” The internet, as always, responded. Fans flooded the comments with love, applause, and admiration. But not everyone was in the mood to celebrate.

Buried between congratulations was a blunt and jarring reply: “Nope I don’t respect you so I won’t be calling you that.” And it didn’t stop there. Another user chimed in: “Miss Biles… we don’t utilize the doctor term on honorary degrees… You’re a lot of genuinely great things, but this one is a blunder.” Simone, never one to shrink from a challenge — be it on the beam or in the comments — fired back with grace and edge: “google is free & it’s Mrs. Biles.” That reply, sharp and factual, sparked an even greater stir. Soon, the comment section was ablaze with debates about titles, degrees, and respect. One person scolded,  “The disrespect for those who really went to school for years to earn their doctorate…” In mere hours, what began as a joyful moment had turned into a whirlwind of opinions. But through it all, Simone remained poised, letting the moment speak for itself. And quietly, in her corner of the digital world, her biggest supporter stepped up.

On May 13, Simone Biles’s husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, posted to his Instagram story. With pride practically radiating through the screen, he reshared the university’s tribute and wrote: “Best commencement speaker EVER.” No hashtags. No clapping back. Just love. So, whether the world chooses to call her Miss, Mrs., or Dr. Biles, one thing is clear: Simone Biles earned her moment. But you may ask how. 

Well, we’d say, by continuing to be Simone Biles. In her commencement speech, the 28-year-old gymnast said, “I have to admit, I am a little nervous!” But why? “You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage and do a little floor routine,” the 11-time Olympic medalist added. Meanwhile, instead of highlighting her own laurels, she preferred to hype the achievements of the students from the stage. 

In her commencement speech, Simone subsequently added, “Today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you, you are elite students. While I can claim a few ‘firsts’ in my sport, I know some of you are the first in your families to earn your degree…And for some others, maybe you showed early promise and met every challenge in elementary, middle and high school head on, blazing new trails along the way. Going to college and graduating might have felt like a given.” Those words may prove that it wasn’t about Simone, the most decorated gymnast’s day. Rather, it was about someone who was there on the stage to motivate the students. However, apart from that, it wasn’t the first time Jonathan came forward to save Simone from online hate. 

Jonathan Owens appears in the scene to support Simone Biles 

While the world watched Simone Biles soar, twist, and stick her way back to glory, Jonathan Owens was never far behind — in the stands, online, or in spirit. At the Games, as Simone silenced critics and proved — yet again — that greatness doesn’t quit, Jonathan was one of her loudest, proudest cheerleaders. Whether sitting beside her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, shouting encouragement from the stands, or glued to the screen mid-flight, his love and support echoed louder than the skeptics ever could.

After Simone clinched her second individual all-around gold, Jonathan rushed to Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute that lit up timelines: “Greatness! I love you so much baby. You accomplish whatever you set your mind to, and do it with so much grace. 9 time Olympic medalist and counting!!!! So proud to be your husband.” But he wasn’t done.

Even while flying back from the competition, Jonathan couldn’t peel his eyes away from the action. In an Instagram Story, he proudly shared Simone’s vault scores with the caption: “Even on the flight back!!!! Can’t miss it!!! Another gold on the way!!!!” And JO cheered for Simone’s success during a phase when her haters doubted her gymnastics return, calling her out as “quitter.” His unwavering faith in her wasn’t just romantic — it was a bold stand against the noise. During a time when critics labeled Simone a “quitter” for stepping away to protect her mental health, Jonathan stood firm, never doubting her return. And when she came back stronger than ever, claiming gold with the same grit that made her a global icon, his cheers carried a deeper meaning. So, through turbulence and triumph, Jonathan Owens never missed a beat. And when Simone flew, he soared right alongside her.