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Simone Biles’ message to fans reveals bigger issue athletes are quietly dealing with

Yahoo Sports

One of the most decorated athletes in the world has spoken.

Simone Biles’ message to fans reveals bigger issue athletes are quietly dealing with originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . As the global spotlight once again finds Simone Biles, the conversation isn’t about medals, records, or even competition.

It’s about boundaries. While attending the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Biles delivered a message that quickly hit far beyond gymnastics. The most decorated gymnast in history, someone who has spent her career embracing fans and representing the sport at its highest level, made a simple but revealing request.

And it says a lot about what comes with being one of the most recognizable athletes in the world today. More: PWHL trade rumor sends Seattle Torrent's Team USA star to Boston Fleet A moment that crossed the line Biles arrived in Spain as both an ambassador and one of the most celebrated athletes at the event. A four-time Laureus Sportswoman of the Year and 11-time Olympic medalist, she remains one of the defining figures in global sports.

But her experience off the stage told a different story. After fans gathered outside her hotel for extended periods, Biles took to social media to address the situation directly. She acknowledged the passion and support but admitted the behavior made her anxious, asking fans to “love from afar” and respect her privacy.