5 Most Talked-about Olympic Headlines: Simone Biles’ ‘Fried’ Hair & Her Husband’s Behavior, a Coach’s Death, & More

This week’s news digest dives into the whirlwind of the 2024 Paris Olympics: a Samoan coach’s tragic death, hair criticism for Celine Dion and Simone Biles, scrutiny over Biles’s husband’s “problematic” behavior, and Hezly Rivera’s unexpected finals exit—read about this Olympic drama at its peak!

What Did Simone Biles Say about Her Controversial ‘Fried’ Hair?

Simone Biles has been competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, but her journey to gold was unexpectedly met with criticism from netizens regarding her hair. The world-renowned gymnast didn’t hesitate to address her critics.

The 27-year-old athlete recently posted a video to her Instagram story, sharing a light-hearted yet firm message, “don’t come for me about my hair [sic].”

Seated on a bus and dealing with soaring temperatures, Simone explained, “IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it’s like 9,0000 degrees.” She added, “oh & a 45 min ride [sic].”

Simone was more direct in another post, stating, “gonna hold my hand when I say this…next time you wanna comment on a black girls hair. JUST DON’T [sic].” Her statement led to various reactions on social media.

One frustrated viewer vented, “Simone Biles hair never being done properly be pissing me off. Everybody else on the team is put together, then she looks like she just rolled out of bed 🤦🏽[sic].”

Another echoed this viewpoint, albeit with a hint of concern, “Her hair looks broke off , fried, and unhealthy. I don’t think anyone is trying to be mean , if anything it’s black women giving advice . She is the best gymnast ever and she has the means to attain healthy hair . Why not look and be your best simultaneously [sic]?”

Yet, the love for Simone shone through even in critiques. “I’m just trying to figure out why Simone Biles hair never done ? Like girllll come on 🙄 STILL LOVE HER AND HOPE SHE DOES GREAT [sic]!” expressed one fan.

On the other hand, many defended Simone, highlighting the physical demands of her sport. “I’m so sick of people coming for Simone Biles’s hair as if she’s not flipping in the air at the speed of light out there,” one defender retorted.

“Simone Biles is focused on better things than hair. Women need to stop policing hairstyles. It’s ridiculous 🧐 Why are women still talking about her hair? We all go through frizz in humidity,” another voice of reason added.

Despite the online comments about her hair, Simone remained focused and led her team to victory in the competition. Simone led Team USA to a stunning win in the women’s gymnastics team final, securing a total score of 171.296.

The team’s win marks the fourth gold for the U.S., following their triumphs in 1996, 2012, and 2016. Italy claimed silver with a score of 165.494, while Brazil took bronze with 164.497, marking their first medal in this category.

Throughout the Olympics, Simone showcased simple yet striking hairstyles, often opting for a hair bun that highlighted her versatility and style. In one photo, she wore her hair in a high bun with cascading strands, secured with hairpins.

In another photo, Simone sported small braids running from the front to the back, which seamlessly blended into her high, messy bun. It appears she braided her hair before styling it into a bun.

In another picture, Simone opted for a more casual look, wearing a simple messy bun with some strands left loose for a relaxed appearance. She kept the style natural, without adding any hairpins.

Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Simone expressed her joy, saying, “It feels amazing. We love it, we’re excited…We got the job done.”

On Instagram, Simone also shared a photo of her team celebrating their win, happily holding the American flag. “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions ❤️🥇🇺🇸 [sic],” Simone captioned her post.

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What Did Simone Biles’ Husband, Jonathan Owens, Do after Her Win?

Simone Biles has officially secured her place as the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history with her husband proudly cheering her on every step of the way.

Her latest triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. But let’s not forget the crucial support from her family, particularly her husband, NFL player, Jonathan Owens.

Owens, who was by Biles’ side in France, was over the moon about his wife’s stellar performance. He took to social media to celebrate her monumental win with a heartwarming tribute.

Sharing a charming photo of the couple amid the vibrant Parisian streets, Owens couldn’t hide his pride. In the snapshot, he lovingly wears Biles’ gold medal around his neck as they bask in their shared joy.

His caption was pure adoration, “Witnessing history every time you step on the mat 😍🔥.” Owens continued to shower praise on his superstar wife, writing, “Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it [sic].”

Biles responded with heartfelt gratitude, “Means the world you’re here” and added, “My whole heart. I love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️.” However, the couple’s celebration didn’t go unnoticed by netizens, who had mixed reactions.

Critics took to the comments, questioning Owens’ decision to wear Biles’ medal. One user remarked, “Why is he holding it like he won it?” Another chimed in, “Give the medal back bby, that’s not yours [sic].”

Some were particularly vocal, saying things like, “That’s Simone’s gold medal you’re holding, not yours, my guy. 😂😂” and “There’s something very unsettling about you wearing her medal. Seems off.”

One frustrated fan even demanded, “Give it back to her immediately 🥇.” Meanwhile, another user, puzzled by the situation, asked, “Is he being problematic on purpose? Serious question.”

Owens isn’t new to facing the heat from fans. Back in December 2023, the NFL star landed in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after some controversial comments about his relationship with Biles during an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast.

When asked about how the two met, Owens revealed that despite Biles’ fame, he didn’t know who she was at the time. The pair had connected through the dating app Raya in 2020.

Things heated up when Owens was asked if he saw himself as “the catch” in their relationship. He cheekily responded, “I always say that the men are the catch.” He admitted he was initially hesitant to commit but eventually fell head over heels for Biles.

His comments sparked quite a backlash, with some fans taking issue with his remarks about the Olympic icon. Fast forward to April this year, Biles came to her husband’s defense during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.

Addressing the viral moment, Biles revealed she was present during the interview, and when the camera zoomed in on her, she simply rolled her eyes and laughed.

She clarified that Owens never suggested she wasn’t a catch but was instead emphasizing his own worth. The Olympic icon even went as far as addressing critics on her X page. Biles praised her husband, stating that he adores her and that she’s never met anyone quite like him.

As for Owens, he brushed off the criticism with ease. He kept his social media notifications off and was unaware of the uproar until much later. When he did catch wind of it, he responded by posting a series of romantic photos with Biles and captioning them, “Unbothered 😂❤️ Just know we locked in over here 🤞🏽.”

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What Caused the Samoan Olympic Boxing Coach’s Death?

The Samoan Olympic boxing team is grappling with a heartbreaking loss. Lionel Elika Fatupaito, their esteemed coach, passed away on Friday, 26 in the athletes’ village in Seine-Saint-Denis, France.

The 60-year-old suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, casting a shadow over the Games. According to police reports, Fatupaito was in his room with an athlete when he fell ill around 10:20 a.m.

Despite the swift response from firefighters and emergency medical services, he could not be saved. The cause of death has been confirmed as natural, and there are no legal obstacles to his burial. The investigation has been handed over to the Seine-Saint-Denis judicial police.

The International Boxing Federation (IBA) has expressed its heartfelt condolence in response to the tragedy. The Federation celebrated Fatupaito’s unwavering dedication, highlighting that his passion and commitment to boxing “have left a lasting impression on the sport.”

They further remarked that Fatupaito’s “legacy will continue to inspire future generations.” The Federation wrapped up its message with heartfelt sentiments. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss,” they wrote.

The Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) also released a statement about Fatupaito’s passing. They expressed their deepest regret and offered their heartfelt condolences.

The committee reflected on his remarkable career, noting that Fatupaito was celebrated as a leading boxing coach. The committee President Mr. Pauga Talalelei Pauga, also remembered Fatupaito as someone who strongly believed in the Olympic spirit.

Pauga shared that the thoughts of the entire Samoan sporting community were with Lionel’s family, emphasizing how deeply he would be missed. The Samoan NOC further said that no statements would be issued and has requested privacy for Lionel’s family and the athletes during this challenging time.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Samoa’s boxing dreams were crushed when Tupuola Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali lost to Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete.

Plodzicki-Faoagali took to Instagram to share his emotional struggle, revealing that the past week had been incredibly challenging and mentally taxing, especially following the recent loss of his coach, Fatupaito.

In his post, Plodzicki-Faoagali expressed the immense difficulty of coping with the loss of his coach and the late arrival that affected his preparation. Despite contemplating withdrawing from the games, he chose to compete out of dedication to Samoa, his coach, his sponsors, and his family.

He conveyed his heartfelt thanks to Samoa for their support and apologized for not performing at his best, while also paying tribute to his late coach, Fatupaito. “Thinking of you coach, wish you were here in the corner today,” he wrote.

Schelstraete, who engaged with Plodzicki-Faoagali before and after the match and showed respect by lifting his opponent’s arm in the ring, praised Plodzicki-Faoagali’s spirit.

He acknowledged Plodzicki-Faoagali’s courage and dedication to honoring his late coach by competing. He noted the selflessness of coaches and expressed sadness that Plodzicki-Faoagali’s coach wasn’t there to experience the moment.

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Why Was Hezly Rivera Not Competing in the Olympic Finals?

On July 28, 2024, Hezly Rivera made a shaky debut during the women’s gymnastics qualifier at the Paris Olympics. It was revealed that she wouldn’t partake in the finals alongside her US teammates Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, and Jade Carey.

Responding to a “Today” Facebook post that said Hezly would only take part in the finals if one of her teammates got injured, a fan wrote, “She earned her spot and will always be an Olympian! We all know she can do it!”

An X user stood by the whole team, writing, “let’s not forget jordan chiles, hezly rivera, and jade chiles also. the WHOLE team deserves so much love. remember their names. we are proud of you 5 [sic]!!”

Replying to a different Facebook post about Hezly being booted out of the Olympics, someone stated, “Hope she continues. They should have let her do at least one event in the finals given how well they dominated.” But why did she pull out of the finals?

During the qualifier, Hezly had the lowest scores on her team, causing her to fail to make it to the finals in any individual gymnastics event. She got a 12.633 score in the beam event and a 13.900 in the uneven bars competition.

Her scores placed her 26th in the beam event and 13th in the uneven bars. The athlete’s team chose to drop her beam event score to help lower their error margin. Luckily, her overall bar performance allowed the team to progress to the finals.

As the team headed into the all-around team final, they were leading with a qualifier overall score of 172.296. They were ahead of Italy, who followed closely with a score of 166.86, and in third place was China with 166.628.

The Women’s Gymnastics final was held on July 30, 2024, and Hezly’s team won, meaning she also earned a gold medal. Despite the gymnast failing to partake in the finals, she still got to star alongside one teammate she admired.

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How Did Celine Dion’s Hair Look?

Celine Dion made a memorable appearance at the Paris Olympics, both for her stunning performance and casual look the next day. The iconic singer, who recently returned to the stage after a hiatus due to health issues, was seen leaving her hotel in a black blazer over a white outfit, accessorized with sunglasses.

While some fans praised Dion for her elegance and resilience, others thought she needed a makeover, especially concerning her hair. One Instagram user bluntly stated, “She needs a makeover!”

Another upset netizen wrote, “she needs a make over, hair makeup and outfit ! She’s a billionaire and the least she can do is try and look decent! I’m so mad about her doing this [sic]!!!” Another user humorously noted, “The limestone water’s France just crashed her hair hahaha [sic].”

In contrast, some fans expressed admiration and support. One gushed, “What a beautiful woman 🔥❤️.” Another supporter commented, “Yeayyyy she is stunnning and healthy and beautiful , blessed 🤗[sic].”

Despite the mixed reactions, Dion’s appearance and performance marked a triumphant return for the beloved star, reminding everyone of her enduring talent and spirit.

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That’s a wrap for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where netizens passionately followed every moment. From Fatupaito’s heartfelt loss and hair criticism for Biles and Dion to Owens wearing Biles’s gold medal and Rivera’s exit, the Games have been a rollercoaster of glory, drama, and jaw-dropping moments. Stay tuned for next week’s digest!