Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has been subjected to severe criticism for her hairstyle choice during the games, but she remains unaffected by the backlash.

In a recent interview, Biles justified her decision to style her hair in a ponytail with loose strands around her face, emphasizing that it was a functional choice to help maintain concentration during her performances. She shared, “During competitions, I hardly think about my hair because my primary concern is to perform well for myself and for my country.”

Although Biles offered this rationale, some detractors have still voiced their disapproval on social media, labeling her hairstyle as “sloppy” and “unprofessional.” Nonetheless, a significant number of supporters have rallied around Biles, commending her for her resilience and ability to disregard the detractors.

As a pioneer in gymnastics, Biles has consistently broken new ground and set new standards both in and out of competition. She’s candidly discussed her mental health challenges and championed the cause of self-care and embracing one’s self.

Regarding her hairstyle choices, Biles remains defiant, stating, “I’m going to choose what’s best for me, what makes me feel comfortable and confident, and that’s exactly what I did with my hairstyle.”

Her fans have lauded her for this stance, with one supporter expressing on Twitter, “Simone Biles is a queen and she can style her hair however she wishes. She’s not just a champion but an inspiration to everyone.”

Despite facing scrutiny, Biles continues to excel at the Olympics, securing multiple medals and setting records. Her extraordinary skill, unwavering resolve, and optimistic outlook have endeared her to sports enthusiasts globally, and she appears to be far from finished in her remarkable career trajectory.