This weekly digest brings together some of the most talked-about moments in gymnastics. Dive in to discover the heartfelt account of Shawn Johnson East’s son’s illness, get a glimpse of Simone Biles’ glamorous makeover following her medal-winning performances, and catch up on the buzz surrounding Sunisa Lee’s rumored boyfriend.
Shawn Johnson East’s Son Battles Severe Illness Abroad
Shawn Johnson East recently shared a harrowing experience involving her two-year-old son, Jett James. The former Olympic gymnast, known for her incredible composure under pressure, found herself in a terrifying situation when Jett woke up in the middle of the night with severe breathing difficulties due to croup.
This health scare occurred while Shawn was visiting Paris with family for the 2024 Summer Games.
Shawn East Johnson and her husband Andrew East with their two sons, as seen in a post dated July 30, 2024 | Source: Instagram/shawnjohnson
In an emotional post on her Instagram Stories dated August 6, Shawn, 32, detailed the incident, describing how Jett suddenly struggled to breathe, prompting panicked calls for help.
Shawn Johnson East’s husband Andrew East with their youngest son Barrett Madison, as seen in a post dated July 30, 2024 | Source: Instagram/shawnjohnson
“Behind the scenes, the past week has been a rollercoaster,” she wrote, overlaying a photo of her sleeping younger son, Barrett “Bear” Madison. “Jett got a severe case of croup and woke up in the middle of the night (5 nights ago) unable to breathe 😭.”
The ordeal did not end there. Shortly after Jett’s condition improved, her younger son Bear also fell ill. Shawn expressed her gratitude towards the Team USA house doctors and local medical professionals who provided essential care during their crisis.
Shawn East Johnson’s son, Barrett “Bear” Madison, as seen in her Instagram story | Source: Instagram/shawnjohnson
When a follower asked about the most stressful part of her trip, Shawn did not hesitate to point out the challenges of dealing with sick children abroad. “Sick kids in a foreign country,” she responded, sharing a picture of herself holding Bear. Alongside Jett and Bear, Shawn and her husband, Andrew East, are also parents to their daughter, Drew Hazel.
Shawn East Johnson with her son Barrett “Bear” Madison, as seen in her Instagram story | Source: Instagram/shawnjohnson
Simone Biles Stuns with New Look after Historic Olympic Wins
After clinching four Olympic medals at the 2024 Paris Games — three gold and one silver — Simone Biles decided it was time for a change. On August 6, just a day after concluding the gymnastics finals, Simone treated herself to a fresh new hairstyle, proudly sharing the transformation with her Instagram followers.
A fan comment dated August 6, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brentondiallo
In the snapshot posted on social media, Simone’s longtime hairstylist, Brenton Kane Diallo, showcased her radiant new look. Simone exuded confidence in the photo, her smile as bright as her achievements.
Her thick, luscious hair was styled in soft curls that fell gracefully over her shoulders, parted stylishly in the middle to frame her face beautifully. Her makeup was impeccable, featuring perfectly shaped eyebrows and extra-long lashes that accentuated her bright, sparkling eyes.
The Olympian completed her look with a white tank top, a diamond necklace, and silver hoop earrings, adding a touch of sophistication to her fresh appearance.
In a follow-up picture, Simone posed happily with Brenton, who has been her trusted stylist for eight years. The bond and mutual admiration between the two were evident as they beamed together for the camera.
Simone Biles with her hairstylist Brenton Diallo, as seen in a post dated August 6, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brentondiallo
“What A Magical Morning! Reuniting With The GOAT! My Sis From Another Miss The Gorgeous and Incredibly Gifted @simonebiles ILY BB What An Honor It Is To Do Your Hair. We Go Back Now 8 Years Now And I Couldn’t Be More Honored To Come Slay Your Hair When You’re On Top Of The World. Ps 8 Years Woof We GROWN Grown haha ❤️ YOU [sic]!” Brenton captioned the post.
Simone, clearly delighted with her new look, responded enthusiastically, “gold medal stylist babyyyyy❤️❤️❤️❤️🥇🥇🥇 [sic].”
Fans quickly showered their beloved athlete with praise and admiration for her new style. “THIS IS INCREDIBLE! Wow!!!” one fan exclaimed. Another chimed in, “This is awesome!!!” while a third simply said, “Wow!”
While her fans now adore her new hairdo, this wasn’t always the case — many had criticized her hair during the Olympics, making this positive reception all the more rewarding for the star.
A netizen’s comment about Simone Biles’s hair, posted in July 2024 | Source: X.com/AshleyNicolee6
The 27-year-old athlete recently posted a video to her Instagram story, sharing a light-hearted yet firm message, “don’t come for me about my hair [sic].”
Simone Biles’s message to her critics, posted on Instagram Stories in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
Seated on a bus and dealing with soaring temperatures, Simone explained, “IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it’s like 9,0000 degrees.” She added, “oh & a 45 min ride [sic].”
Simone Biles’s message to her critics, posted on Instagram Stories in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
Simone was more direct in another post, stating, “gonna hold my hand when I say this…next time you wanna comment on a black girls hair. JUST DON’T [sic].” Her statement led to various reactions on social media.
Simone Biles’s message to her critics, posted on Instagram Stories in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
One frustrated viewer vented, “Simone Biles hair never being done properly be pissing me off. Everybody else on the team is put together, then she looks like she just rolled out of bed 🤦🏽[sic].”
Another echoed this viewpoint, albeit with a hint of concern, “Her hair looks broke off , fried, and unhealthy. I don’t think anyone is trying to be mean , if anything it’s black women giving advice . She is the best gymnast ever and she has the means to attain healthy hair . Why not look and be your best simultaneously [sic]?”
Yet, the love for Simone shone through even in critiques. “I’m just trying to figure out why Simone Biles hair never done ? Like girllll come on 🙄 STILL LOVE HER AND HOPE SHE DOES GREAT [sic]!” expressed one fan.
Simone Biles reacts after her balance beam routine at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, many defended Simone, highlighting the physical demands of her sport. “I’m so sick of people coming for Simone Biles’s hair as if she’s not flipping in the air at the speed of light out there,” one defender retorted.
Simone Biles competes on the balance beam at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 28, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
“Simone Biles is focused on better things than hair. Women need to stop policing hairstyles. It’s ridiculous 🧐 Why are women still talking about her hair? We all go through frizz in humidity,” another voice of reason added.
Simone Biles reacts during the gymnastics all-around qualification on the balance beam at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images