Eleven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles is busy headlining the second edition of the Gold Over America Tour. However, the 27-year-old icon found time to get inked despite her busy schedule. Biles and Co. started their tour at Oceanside, California on September 16. On Wednesday the team performed in Arizona, and right ahead of flying to Los Angeles, the GOAT got inked.
The gymnastics icon visited fine-line tattoo specialist Sydney Smith to get the words “Made in Heaven” inked across the back of her neck. Meanwhile, fans of the world’s most decorated gymnast were pleasantly surprised. “An icon tattooing an icon,” one Instagram user wrote complimenting not just the Biles but also the popular tattoo artist from New Jersey. “SO proud of you,” wrote another fan. The individual was delighted that the tattoo artist got the opportunity to ink none other than Simone Biles.
However, there’s a good reason why the fans were so proud of Smith, and Simone Biles chose her to get a tattoo. After her Gold over America Tour performance in Arizona, Biles couldn’t miss the opportunity to get inked by the specialist. Smith specializes in fine-line tattoos in only black and grey ink, and in just a few years has found widespread praise on social media.
Yet, that praise isn’t just limited to social media. You need to be talented for the GOAT to seek you out between flying to different states. While Simone Biles didn’t disclose the significance behind the “Made in Heaven” tattoo, that wasn’t the only one she got. Besides the ink behind her neck, the world-defending world champion also got on her finger.
The three-time gold medalist at Paris 2024, got a tiny “J” inked on her left ring finger. However, this one didn’t need an explanation as it’s a tribute to husband Jonathan Own. The Chicago Bears safety has always stood by his wife. In fact, Owens even took time from his training with the Bears to cheer Simone Biles during Paris 2024.
The tattoo also mirrors the “S” Owens inked on his left ring finger in July 2024. While the NFL star’s “S” is in sans sheriff and much larger, the Arizona-based artist inked Biles’ “J” with her signature fine-line style.
Simone Biles and Sydney Smith have more in common than you’d think
To say fans of Simone Biles and Sydney Smith were hyped to see them come together would be an understatement. “TWO GOATS” commented one fan in all-caps. However, it’s safe to say Smith has earned her fame, with 284,000 followers on Instagram alone. Just as Simone Biles has pushed the boundaries of gymnastics, the New Jersey native has dedicated herself to her craft.
“I would want, and hope, to inspire more women to find themselves through their art. I want to show these women that anything is possible once you put your mind to it.” Smith said during a 2022 interview with Authority Magazine. Coincidentally, Smith also started building her branding in 2016; the same year Biles became a global icon at the Rio Olympics.
Ur kiddingggg, unreal!” praised one Instagram user. Meanwhile, another wrote, “This is so iconic.” One common trait with every comment on the thread was that fans didn’t just prise Simone Biles. Everyone seemed delighted that their favorite gymnast chose their tattoo artist. Maybe that’s because the Olympic legend and Simth have found ways to stand out in their respective fields.
“I constantly strive to better myself,” Smith said in 2022. This motto has also helped Simone Biles stage her incredible comeback to Olympic glory. From hitting rock bottom with mental health issues in 2021 to winning three Olympic gold in 2024, Biles’ efforts have paid off. Similarly, Smith’s efforts also bore fruit as she tattooed arguably the greatest gymnast in history.
