When gymnastics royalty walks into your gym, time stops. Just ask the LSU Tigers, who on March 26 experienced the ultimate pinch-me moment as Simone Biles, yes, THE Simone Biles, casually strolled through their Baton Rouge training facility! Talk about having stars in your eyes! The 7-time Olympic gold medalist wasn’t just passing through; she came specifically to support freshman Zoe Miller, her longtime friend from their World Champions Centre days. As Biles doled out hugs, advice, and that signature megawatt smile, the Tigers soaked up every second of GOAT wisdom.
But honestly, amid all the excitement, there was a notable absence. Olivia Dunne, LSU’s social media sensation and senior star, couldn’t join the once-in-a-lifetime meetup. Sidelined since January with an avulsion fracture of her patella, Livvy watched from afar as her teammates lived every gymnast’s dream. But things might be changing for Dunne as she had a Goat meeting lined up.
Livvy’s first Biles encounter? Honestly, it’s the stuff of a gymnastics legend! Back in 2015, a bright-eyed 12-year-old Olivia Dunne could barely contain her excitement when she met a teenage Simone at the WOGA Classic. That precious moment, which was captured forever in a photo with Nastia Liukin and future LSU teammate Madison Rau started the beginning of Dunne’s long-distance admiration of the GOAT. “Nastia, Simone, Maddie #wogaclassic2015,” Livvy captioned that treasured snapshot. Fast forward to 2018, and a more seasoned Dunne found herself sharing the mats with Biles again at National Team camp. By then, Simone was already a four-time Olympic gold medalist fresh off her Rio dominance!
Now? The universe is bringing them together again, but this time on hallowed Kentucky soil. Talk about a full-circle moment! These gymnastics powerhouses will share the spotlight at the 151st Kentucky Derby as they each take on the prestigious “Riders Up” honor. Biles will command attention at the main event on Saturday, May 3, while Dunne will bring her star power to the Kentucky Oaks the day before.
Frankly, Churchill Downs couldn’t have picked a more dynamic duo to continue the tradition started in 2012 of having celebrities announce the iconic “Riders Up” command and signal jockeys to mount their horses has added extra sparkle to America’s oldest continuously running sporting event. The Derby, affectionately known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” has been thrilling crowds since 1875 with its intoxicating blend of thundering hooves, extravagant hats, and mint juleps. And now? It’s getting a double dose of gymnastics gold!
Olivia Dunne and Simone Biles are the only Gymnasts to be called for Riders up
Talk about making history! When Biles and Dunne step up to the microphone at Churchill Downs, they won’t just be adding their names to an illustrious list but they’ll be the 1st ones from Gymnastics to do so and in turn, create an entirely new chapter in Derby lore as the first-ever gymnasts trusted with the iconic call!
Honestly, the significance isn’t lost on either athlete. The “Riders Up” tradition—happening precisely 19 minutes before post time in the Saddling Paddock opposite Stall 1 has previously been graced by NFL superstars, coaching legends, and even Hollywood royalty. Remember when Baker Mayfield did it in 2019? Or Jack Harlow in 2022? How about Martha Stewart just last year?
But gymnastics? That’s uncharted territory!
When Dunne delivers those goosebump-inducing words at the Oaks, followed by Biles at Saturday’s main event, both broadcast live to millions on NBC, they’ll officially vault gymnastics into Derby folklore.
Frankly, it’s a match made in sports heaven: the explosive power of thoroughbreds paired with the grace and strength of America’s gymnastics icons, and as jockeys receive their leg-up and turn toward the Paddock Runway after the command, two worlds of athletic excellence will collide spectacularly.
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