Nellie Biles confirmed that Simone is “feeling great” ahead of her third Olympics but then embarrassed Snoop Dogg during NBC’s coverage of the opening ceremony.
Rapper Snoop Dogg was called out by Simone Biles’ mom during coverage of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony for not taking a photo with her in the past. Nellie Biles reminded Snoop that she once asked him for a photo in New York City, but he declined the request.
Snoop seemed surprised about the claims, but the pair laughed it off and began speaking about Simone.
Biles won the 2024 ESPY Award for Best Comeback Performance after making the Team USA gymnastics roster for the Paris Olympics. Biles struggled mentally during the last Olympics in Tokyo and was forced to take a break from sports, but her mom confirmed to Snoop that she’s feeling positive ahead of competing in Paris.
“She is feeling really good. I spoke to her this morning and she’s feeling great,” Nellie Biles said of Simone to Snoop. Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts in history, with 29 gold medals in total and four at the Olympic Games.
The Biles story has been refreshing, as she’s returned to the top level after struggling with the pressure of being a star, something she described as “The weight of the world.” Her journey through mental health issues and also experiencing the ‘twisties’ has been inspiring, and she was honored at the recent ESPY Awards.
Her award was presented by actor Brian Tyree Henry, who sent a touching message to the gymnast. “Simone, you are an inspiration,” proclaimed Henry at the ceremony. “Simone, you are a champion and the only person you have anything to prove to is Simone.”
It’s not just Biles’ parents in Paris supporting her, as mother Nellie confirmed that 17 family members have flown over. Biles wasn’t at the opening ceremony as she prepared for Sunday’s qualifiers, but her parents spoke in her absence.
It wasn’t Biles’ choice to skip the ceremony, as all gymnasts were advised to sit out due to their competitions falling so soon. Athletes were warned ahead of the ceremony as they could be on their feet for several hours, but NBC Olympics host Snoop was seen parading the Olympic torch on Friday morning before the ceremony began.
Snoop was one of the final torch bearers, carrying the flame that was lit in Greece back in April and made its way toward Paris. Snoop’s leg with the torch was in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, and he promised to be on his “best behavior” during the parade.
“I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect. I would have never dreamed of anything like this,” he said earlier this week. “I’m going to be on my best behavior. I’m going to be on my best athleticism. I’ll be able to breathe slowly, walk fast, and hold the torch with a smile on my face because I realize how prestigious this event is.”
