Simone Bilesmade some unsuspecting young athletes' very happy last month — and PEOPLE has an exclusive look at the sweet moment.
During the Brooklyn, New York, stop of Biles' Athleta PresentsGold Over America Touron Nov. 6, the decorated Olympic gymnast crashed a photoshoot with gymnasts from theWendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. Hilliard was the first African American to represent the U.S. on the rhythmic gymnastics national team and now is committed to working with underserved urban youth through her gymnastics program.
In the video, the groups of girls pose together in front of a photo backdrop for what they were told was just a shoot with Athleta. After an offscreen voice prompts that someone is missing from the group, Biles — wearing a pink, two-piece athleticwear ensemble — enters. The girls react with gasps and squeals.
Says Biles to the young women, “Are you shocked? Was it a good surprise?” The 24-year-old also encourages the rising gymnasts that they “look amazing.”
The video comes ahead of theGold Over America Tourlivestream eventon Saturday at 4:00 p.m. EST. Those who were unable to attend the gymnastics competition-meets-concert experience will be able to watch a recording of the show.
Simone Biles surprises gymnasts.Athleta
This week, Biles was revealed as one ofPEOPLE’s 2021 People of the Year, highlighted for her work to champion mental health.
RELATED PHOTOS:‘I Don’t Have to Be Fine’: Everything Simone Biles Has Said About Mental Health
This entire year, and her experiences in Japan, have been humbling, Biles said “Now, internally, I know who I am and what I want to do.”
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“That’s probably one of the first times in my career where I felt courageous and I felt like I had got to speak up for myself,” she said PEOPLE. Added Biles, “[I] definitely can walk away from Tokyo, feeling courage, feeling at ease. And I did everything I could.”
source: people.com
