Even a five-time Olympic medalist can’t catch a break when it comes to internet trolls.
Simone Biles, also known as owner of four gold medals in gymnastics, shut down an online heckler who accused her of being a bad role model. After Simone posted a vacation picture on Instagram, the troll commented, “Seems like u have partied non stop for a year #trash #unfollow #suckyassrolemodel.”
Simone has been taking time away from the sport, and she’s certainly earned it. Her 14 World Championship medals, in addition to her Rio 2016 hardware, were all won before she turned 20—and she’s the first and only female gymnast to have ever won three back-to-back World Championships.
So of course, she had to reply to the unwarranted comment and defend her years of dedication to the sport. She wrote, “talk to me when you train for 14 years and earn 5 Olympic Medals. I think kids would say otherwise. My year off is well deserved! Take a couple seats.”
Simone also showcased her reply on Twitter, writing, “Comments like this have me shook. I really wanted to blur her name out so she doesn’t get attention. but it is what it is…”
Comments like this have me shook. I really wanted to blur her name out so she doesn’t get attention. but it is what it is… #BLOCK pic.twitter.com/T4UA2DuLg2
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 9, 2017
Twitter responded with an outpouring of support.
you have earned every bit of rest, relaxation and partying. You are a role model to my little ones. Live it up girl.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) July 9, 2017
You do you, girl! Take as much time off as you want, I think you’ve done MORE than enough to deserve it
— Jazzy (@Pentayonce_) July 9, 2017
Your year off is well deserved. Keep doing you love
— Hallie Green (@halliegreen_) July 9, 2017
After becoming the most decorated gymnast in American history (and killing it on Dancing With the Stars), Simone should be commended for her hard work and dedication, but also for prioritizing self-care by taking time off when needed.