Simone Biles debuts short bob at 2024 CMAs months after clapping back at Paris Olympics hair criticism

Simone Biles is going for the gold with a new hairstyle.

The Olympic gold medalist showed off her new chin-length bob at the 58th Annual CMA Awards Wednesday evening after she clapped back at critics who slammed her for wearing her hair up during one of her Paris Olympic events over the summer.

Her hair was styled with a slight wave as she dazzled in a silver off-the-shoulder dress on the red carpet in Nashville.

Earlier on Wednesday, the gymnast debuted the new hairdo on her Instagram Story, teasing fans about her look for later in the evening.

Simone Biles showed off her new short haircut at the 2024 CMAs on Wednesday night. REUTERS She traded her blond highlighted hair and middle part for a chic bob during Wednesday’s award ceremony. REUTERS The gymnast teased her new look earlier in the day.

“okay but wait for the glow up later today,” she wrote atop the snap.

Biles’ chic new look features a side part and none of the blond highlights she’s been rocking lately.

The 27-year-old gymnast’s hair was at the center of attention in July at the Paris Games because people were upset she threw it up into a simple bun. However, she swiftly took to social media to stand up for herself.

“don’t come for me about my hair. IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it’s like 9,0000 degrees,” she wrote on her Instagram Story atop a video showing herself cooling down on a bus with a portable fan.

Biles’ new look comes months after she faced criticism for her updo at the 2024 Paris Games. MediaNews Group via Getty Images People were upset she threw her hair up in a simple bun. Instagram/@sydsmithhh

In a second Story slide, she added, “gonna hold your hand when I say this 💋 next time you wanna comment on a black girls hair. JUST DON’T.”

Earlier that month, Biles opened up to Elle about how she handles unsolicited comments about her hair and how she’s learned to embrace her natural tresses over the years.

“I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” she said. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”

However, she quickly stood up for herself on social media. simonebilesowens/TikTok She blamed the heat for the styling decision. simonebilesowens/TikTok

“Most of the backlash we get is from our own community, which is unfortunate,” she added. “I don’t really care if my edges aren’t smooth.”

Biles also explained why she prefers a practical hairdo over something more showy.

“I don’t want my extensions falling out or this that [and] the other,” she said. “We don’t get to bring a makeup artist or a hairstylist.”

Before the Games kicked off, the world champion told Elle she no longer allows the opinions of others to negatively affect her. DeFodi Images via Getty Images She also said she likes easy hairstyles because she doesn’t have a hairstylist on call while she’s competing. AP

Biles became the most decorated US gymnast in history at the 2024 Games. She has 11 medals in total, with seven being gold.

After leading the women’s gymnastics team to gold in July, she defended herself and her teammates after her former teammate MyKayla Skinner expressed her belief that the current team’s work ethic and talent were not up to par.

“Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions,” Biles captioned her post, which showed her celebrating the big win with Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles.