Simone Biles’ involvement in the Paris Olympics has sparked significant online debate for several reasons, including her absence from the opening ceremony, a leg injury, and criticism of her hairstyle.

As the Paris Olympics progress, athletes have been captivating audiences with their impressive performances. Among them is Simone Biles, whose participation has drawn attention for various reasons.

Notably, she and several other members of the U.S. gymnastics team were absent from the opening ceremony on July 26. Simone’s mother, Nellie Biles, explained in an interview with Today’s Hoda Kotb that Simone needed to rest before the women’s qualification competition, which was scheduled for Sunday.

During the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Qualification on July 28, Simone faced a challenge. Footage from the event showed her sitting with U.S.A. Gymnastics team doctor Marcia Faustin before returning with medical tape on her left leg.

According to NBC, Simone strained her calf during her floor exercise warmup. Although she was seen limping, she did not let it affect her performance.

Her decision to compete despite the injury contrasts with her experience at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, where she withdrew from final competitions to prioritize her mental health, leading to a global discussion.

Social media reactions to Simone’s injury have been mixed. Some criticized her, with one user suggesting she might use the injury as an excuse to quit, while another accused her of seeking attention.

However, many supportive comments praised her resilience. One admirer even shared a gif of a standing ovation, celebrating Simone’s impressive performance despite her injury.

In addition to managing her injury, Simone achieved a remarkable milestone by performing the Yurchenko double pike, the most challenging vault in gymnastics, becoming the first woman to do so at the Olympics.

Concerns about her health were raised when viewers noticed her limping, and some commented on her hairstyle, with suggestions for improvements.

Despite the varied responses, Simone Biles’ performance at the Paris Olympics underscores her exceptional talent and determination, solidifying her reputation as a legendary gymnast.