Simone Biles took center stage in the moments before the Kentucky Derby on Saturday but her appearance left NBC viewers divided.
The seven-time Olympic champion gymnast was given the honor of performing the traditional ‘Riders up’ call, signaling the jockeys to climb aboard their horses ahead of the iconic race.
Biles looked stunning in a lavender dress and matching hat and was flanked by local law enforcement as she looked into the camera and delivered the message.
She said: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment.’
Biles then excitingly said ‘Riders up’ before blowing a kiss to the camera.
However, her performance left NBC viewers divided and they took to social media to make their feelings clear.
Simone Biles left NBC viewers divided after taking center stage before the Kentucky Derby
One posted: ‘It was cringey.. she doesn’t normally talk like that. Right? Haha maybe she does IDK’.
Another commented: ‘She looked pretty, but I’m sorry, she sounded ridiculous.’
A third added: ‘Simone Biles, wow, please don’t do that again lol!’
Another replied to the video of Biles, writing: ‘Oh, that’s a little over the top.’
A fifth critic replied: ‘She did a terrible job. She was awful.’
Despite the strong criticism, Biles also received widespread praise from her supporters for her passionate performance.
‘Pretty amazing to have one of the greatest Olympians of all time, Simone Biles, doing the “riders up” call for the Kentucky Derby,’ one fan wrote.
Another said: “@Simone_Biles great job at the Derby!!! You’re so adorable and amazing!’
A third replied: ‘Great job, Simone_Biles! Better than Martha Stewart and Snoop’s last year!’
One fan commented: ‘Simone Biles doing it right at the #KentuckyDerby’.
Biles coordinated with NFL husband Jonathan Owens, while mom Nellie backed the winner
Biles looked stunning in her outfit at Churchill Downs on Saturday, matching with her NFL star husband Jonathan Owens.
The gymnast also attended alongside her mom, Nellie, and the trio were interviewed by NBC Sports in the moments before the race.
Biles was asked whether or not she has decided to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
She replied: ‘I have not decided. It is such an honor to compete on home soil with the fans and everything, but as of now I’m just going to take some time off to focus on my mental and physical health and then we’ll see.
‘If anything, I’ll definitely be there supporting Team USA but I just don’t know right now if it’s on the floor or in the stands.’
Footage also emerged of Biles and Nellie watching the race together before the latter celebrated wildly after backing the winner, Sovereignty.
