Simone Biles Brings America to Tears: Texas Native Wins ESPY for Best Championship Performance, Delivers Heart-Wrenching Tribute to Flood Victims—Crowd Stunned, Internet Erupts With Praise, and the World Watches as the Gymnast’s Unmatched Talent and Compassion Shine in an Unforgettable Night That Redefined Sports History

“Words can’t replace the pain, but our hearts are with you in this tragic time,” the Texas native said upon receiving the ESPY Award for Best Championship Performance

Simone Biles. Credit :Kevin Winter/Getty

Simone Biles used her ESPY Awards speech Wednesday night to pay tribute to the victims of the recent Texas floods.

Biles, 28, gave a nod to the victims of the floods while receiving the 2025 ESPY award for Best Championship Performance on Wednesday, July 16.

“Before I get into it, I first want to offer my sincere condolences to all those impacted by the devastating flash flooding on July 4th in Central Texas,” Biles said at the top of her speech. “Words can’t replace the pain, but our hearts are with you in this tragic time.”

The flash flooding in Central Texas earlier this month left an estimated 132 people dead, while another 160 people are missing in Kerr County, according to The Associated Press.

Camp Mystic, in Hunt, Texas, became a major site of the devastation, where dozens of its campers and counselors are believed to have died in the flooding.

Biles, who grew up in Spring, Texas, was nominated for the Best Championship Performance award in a category that also included Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, golfer Rory McIlroy and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.

Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles attend the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025.Maya Dehlin Spach/WireImage

The U.S. gymnast won three gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris last year.

“That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,” Biles quipped after receiving the award, drawing laughs and applause from the audience at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” Biles added. “The recognition means more than you guys know. I would like to thank the people who have stood with me on this journey — my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way. I wouldn’t be standing here without all of you.”

Biles also said she will “proudly share this award with my team of supporters.”

“Having a strong support system that understands your dreams, who are willing to show up for you, not just when you’re winning, but when you’re struggling, too, is really important,” Biles said. “My sincere gratitude, appreciation and love to all of you who have stood with me on this magical journey, all the highs, lows, twists and turns along the way.”

The ESPY Awards are airing live on ABC.