Simone Biles Asks for Privacy in Public Statement
Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles is in Madrid, Spain serving as an ambassador and special guest for the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, helping recognize premier international athletes like herself.
Biles is a four-time Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award winner, taking home honors in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2025. Her most recent award came in recognition of her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she added three new gold medals to her historic Olympic trophy case.
Biles' international popularity comes at a price.
On Sunday, Biles took to social media with a public statement - raising privacy concerns after she noticed a crowd of fans waiting outside of her hotel.
Biles said she appreciates the fan support, but the large crowds waiting outside made her anxious.
"Okay I reallllly love how passionate and dedicated y'all are, BUT I have to be honest. It really makes me anxious when you stand outside of the hotel all day. Can we please please please love from afar & respect privacy xx," Biles wrote on her Instagram story Sunday.
The 29-year-old gymnast clarified that she would love to take photos with her fans while she's out and about, but asked for people to respect her privacy while she's at her hotel.
"I would love to take pics while I'm out & about though," Biles added.
Stunning Simone #Laureus26 | @Simone_Bilespic.twitter.com/UmeRAqxHIz
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 20, 2026
Biles was announced as a Laureus ambassador back in February.
"Laureus has played a meaningful role in my journey for many years, and I am incredibly proud to have been honoured four times as Laureus Sportswoman of the Year, including at last year's Awards in Madrid, which was an unforgettable night for me," she said at the time.
This year's Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award went to tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka, who accepted the trophy at Madrid's Cibeles Palace.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 6:05 AM.