Black female athletes often have more to worry about than just competing hard and winning. Their hair is a source of constant criticism. Even the great Simone Biles couldn’t avoid this ridiculous stereotype during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
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Throughout her storied career, the gymnastics GOAT has been the subject of offensive comments and criticism about her hair. After she withdrew from some competitions at the Tokyo Games, she became a frequent target of racist internet trolls. The four-time Olympic gold medalist had lowkey expectations for her hair, but now it’s an essential part of her preparation.
“I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” Biles told Elle. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”
It’s important to remember that Simone and her teammates are flipping and twisting through the air, so their hair is going to become loose or fly out of place. Expecting them to look perfectly put together at all times is totally unrealistic. For Paris, her style will be all about “access to products” and “practicality.”
“I don’t want my extensions falling out or this that [and] the other,” she said.
When she was younger, the 27-year-old superstar didn’t know how to do her own hair, but thanks to social media, she, and other Black women, have found new products and techniques to help grow their skills.
“We’ve been able to take care of our hair better and take care of our beauty routines better, because it’s self-taught,” she said. “It’s really special that we have access to those platforms.”
Even with new avenues to explore, Simone still relies on her grandmother Nellie, who raised her alongside her grandfather Ronald, to braid her hair before major events. In the new Netflix documentary, “Simone Biles Rising,” Nellie talks about the importance of their routine.
“Tokyo was the one time I did not braid Simone’s hair,” Nellie says in the documentary. “She is an adult. I mean this girl can braid her hair but it’s not about her braiding her hair, it’s that bonding. It’s that not saying much. It’s the touch.”
This is a sentiment that rings true for many Black women, including those set to compete in Paris. It’s long past time that we focus on their spectacular athletic exploits and not whether or not their hair is straight or smooth enough.
The 2024 Paris Olympics begin airing on NBC and Peacock Friday, July 26. The women’s gymnastics competition kicks off Sunday, July 28.
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