It was a touching moment during a recent interview where Hoda Kotb couldn't hold back her emotions while chatting with the legendary Simone Biles. The conversation unfolded in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower after Simone's remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hoda Reflects on Simone's Incredible Journey
Hoda Kotb, the beloved Today show host, sat down with the gymnastics icon to talk about her stunning victories and the journey that brought her to this point. On Tuesday, August 6, Simone added another feather to her already impressive cap by winning her 11th Olympic medal, making her the most decorated gymnast in history with seven gold medals under her belt. As Hoda put it, "This is a woman who has made the entire nation proud."
Recalling the Rio Days
At the start of their heartfelt interview, Hoda was visibly moved as she reminisced about Simone's Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. "Let me be completely honest with you," Hoda began. "I’m having a moment looking at you right now. I remember sitting with you in Rio all those years ago. You were just a kid back then, and we didn’t even know how to pronounce your name. Fast forward to today, and here you are—27 years old, the most decorated gymnast of all time. It's truly awe-inspiring."
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Simone's Family and Support System
Simone shared how surreal it felt to break records in Paris while being surrounded by her loved ones, including her parents and husband, Jonathan Owens. "You were once someone who dreamed of becoming a gymnast," Hoda said to Simone. "So, if you had to answer this question: 'If not for blank, I wouldn’t be here today,' who would that person be?"
Simone paused for a moment before answering, "If not for my parents and adoption, I wouldn’t be here today." This revelation left Hoda speechless, given her own experience as a mom to two adopted daughters, Haley and Hope, with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. The emotional connection between the two women was palpable, and it resonated deeply with viewers.
Simone's Path to Greatness
Simone, alongside her younger sister Adria Biles, was adopted by their grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, when she was just 6 years old. Reflecting on her life, Simone said during her Facebook Watch series, Simone vs. Herself, "I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today unless that turning point happened. I would still be Simone Biles, but probably not the Simone Biles that everyone else knows. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m forever grateful for that because I definitely got a second shot at life."
Simone's Maternal Instincts and Future Plans
Hoda couldn’t help but notice Simone's maternal instincts and asked if she’s thought about starting a family. "If he could have, he would have had them yesterday," Simone joked about her husband's eagerness to have children. When questioned about her own aspirations, Simone replied, "Most definitely." While Simone has left the door open for potentially returning to the Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles, Hoda joked, "I’m turning 60, so let’s figure this out, OK?"
Later, Hoda surprised her daughters, Haley and Hope, with a FaceTime call from Simone. She shared a photo from the call on Instagram, writing, "When u facetime your mom and daughters and @simonebiles says hi xo." It was a heartwarming conclusion to an unforgettable interview.
