Topics: Facebook, Hair, Instagram, Olympics, Social Media, Sport, World News, Simone Biles
Fans of Simone Biles have leapt to her defence following harsh criticism about the way her hair has looked during her performances at this year's Olympics.
Biles currently holds eight Olympic and 30 World Championship medals and is the most decorated gymnast in history - yet she still can't escape cruel trolls who seemingly have nothing better to do.
The 27-year-old athlete is part of the groundbreaking American team which took home the coveted gold medal at the artistic gymnastics team final in Paris.
When it comes to a gymnasts hair, the important thing is that it's worn in a way that keeps it out of the performer's face so that they can focus.
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So when Biles performed with her hair in a ponytail - she had done everything right.
But following her elite performance, social media was littered with jibes.
One person said it seemed as though Biles had 'just rolled out of bed', and another called her hairstyle 'sloppy'.
Biles took to Instagram Stories to address the criticism.
She wrote: "Don’t come for me about my hair.
"IT WAS DONE but bus has no AC and it’s like 9,000 degrees. Oh and a 45-minute ride.”
The next image Biles shared showed her fanning her face due to the intense heat.
Biles wrote: “Gonna hold your hand when I say this.
"Next time you wanna comment on a Black girl’s hair. JUST DON’T.”
Following Tyla's previous coverage of the trolling, readers have rushed to her defence after learning of the cruel remarks.
One person wrote on Facebook: "The only thing I noticed about this young lady is how AMAZING she is!!"
Another said: "Leave her alone. She’s well respected and respectful. She’s a great representative of the US."
A third added: "Did the morons that commented on her hair SEE HER PERFORMANCE???? She was just amazing, why does everything have to be about appearance???"
Biles has previously spoken out about the expectations that are levelled towards Black gymnasts' hair.
In an interview with Elle earlier this month, Biles showed her appreciation for social media bringing Black women together and teaching her more about hair and beauty.
She said: "We’ve [Black women] been able to take care of our hair better and take care of our beauty routines better, because it’s self-taught. It’s really special that we have access to those platforms.”
She concluded: “I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional. But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”
