For nearly a decade, one Houston bridge has carried more than a message. It became part of Simone Biles’ story, too. Now, a playful Instagram Story from the gymnastics icon has brought that connection back into the spotlight.

Biles recently shared a picture of a black-and-white bridge mural on her IG story, writing, “it’s not the famous houston “be someone” but it’ll do… iykyk.” The reference may seem random at first, but for Biles and longtime Houstonians, there is an obvious connection.

The city’s legendary “Be Someone” graffiti has become one of Houston’s unofficial landmarks. Painted on a Union Pacific railroad bridge over Interstate 45, the simple phrase has grown into something much bigger than street art. Its message – about finding yourself and making something of it… has become closely associated with the city.

And Biles has had her own chapter in that story…

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Back in 2016, Houston outlet KPRC2 shared an edited version of the landmark, replacing “Be Someone” with “Be Simone.” It was a tribute to Biles and fellow Houston-area swimming star Simone Manuel after the two athletes returned from the Rio Olympics with gold medals.

The timing could hardly have been better. Biles was becoming the face of American gymnastics after a remarkable Olympic debut, while Manuel had made history in the pool.

Biles helped the U.S. women win team gold in Rio before adding individual all-around and vault titles. Manuel, meanwhile, won the 100-meter freestyle and became the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic swimming gold medal.

For a city watching two of its own Simones shine on the biggest stage, “Be Simone” felt like a fitting twist on an already iconic Houston message.

Nearly 10 years later, Biles’ latest post showed that the connection still sticks with her.

The bridge in her photo was not the famous “Be Someone” landmark. Its wavy, checkered artwork simply carried a similar Houston feel. Rather than making it a serious statement, Biles appeared to turn the moment into an inside joke: it wasn’t the bridge, but it was close enough.

That little caption also speaks to how deeply Biles has become woven into Houston’s identity.

The seven-time Olympic champion has 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. Yet Houston has remained an important part of her story, from celebrating her Rio triumphs to turning a city landmark into a temporary tribute.

And there could still be another chapter ahead…

Biles has remained uncertain about whether she will compete at LA28. Speaking to El País in May, she admitted that the possibility was still roughly “50 per cent.”
“I’ve already been to three Olympic Games, and I feel fulfilled,” Biles said. “It’s crazy to see how people always want more and more from you. In the end, the decision will always be mine.”

Since Paris 2024, Biles has stayed away from gymnastics training while enjoying a mental and physical break. She has turned to activities such as yoga and Pilates, but has made no commitment to another Olympic comeback.

Still, competing at a home Olympics could be tempting.

For now, though, Biles seems perfectly happy enjoying Houston in her own way… even when the bridge isn’t quite the famous one.

And perhaps that is the perfect reminder of her connection to the city: Houston doesn’t always need to say “Be Someone” for Simone Biles to know exactly where she belongs.