Simone Biles Was Asked Why She Didn't Smile More. Her Response Was Perfection

Biles responded perfectly to question about smiling

Despite being the most decorated American gymnast, Simone Biles had to recently remind the world that smiling does not, in fact, win gold medals. The 20-year-old athlete, who holds a total of 19 Olympic and World Championship medals, is currently competing on “Dancing with the Stars,” and was recently reminded that no matter how much of a champion you are, the world will always remind you to “smile!”

Part of the whole dance show gig includes receiving feedback from judges, which isn’t always going to be sunshine and rainbows. But Biles is a professional, so she did what all adults do, listened while someone told her what she could have done to improve her performance. What she didn’t do was smile. Before we go any further, it’s worth noting that as a society we never expect men to plaster a grin on their face – let alone 24/7 or when they’re being judged.

After her Paso Doble performance, judge Carrie Ann Inaba gave what most considered to be mixed reviews of Biles’ performance. Inaba apparently sprinkled in some compliments but also told the athlete not to dance “like a metronome.” Host Tom Bergeron seemed to be more focused on the kind words that were shared, though. He chimed in with the following comment: “I was waiting for you to smile at some of the compliments — you didn’t.” Without hesitation, the Olympian replied,

“Smiling doesn’t win you gold medals.”

The internet responded exactly the way you’d expect: loved it.

And, of course, most women can relate to that comment because we’ve been told “smile!” so much by family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers that we can’t help but cheer when one of us shuts that shit down.

This guy gets it.

After the initial comments were made Biles told ET: “I feel like I am trying, I am being honest, but if they don’t see that, I don’t know what more I can do.” Bergeron also took to Twitter to comment on his silly remarks.

Hopefully, Bergeron’s mistake will be a reminder to the world to ask all ladies better questions than “why didn’t you smile?”