Simone Biles-Zac Efron relationship, explained: The story behind USA gymnastic star's viral photo from 2016 Olympics

Sarah Effress

Simone Biles-Zac Efron relationship, explained: The story behind USA gymnastic star's viral photo from 2016 Olympics image

There were throngs of celebrities at the Olympic women's gymnastics team final on Tuesday, most of whom were in attendance to support Simone Biles and Team USA. Even more public figures took to social media to congratulate the squad when they won the event.

One actor specifically recognized Biles on Instagram, but his post didn't fully represent the friendship the two have developed. Zac Efron and Biles go way back to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and clearly their relationship has persisted through to the 2024 Games.

Biles has won everyone's hearts, even that of her lifelong crush. Here's how the two first met and what led to the viral photo that took the Olympic world by storm in 2016.

2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
Full Olympics schedule | How to watch in USA | Meet NBC's broadcasters

Simone Biles-Zac Efron relationship, explained

In an appearance on the "TODAY Show" during the 2016 Rio Games, Biles told Hoda Kotb that she and her teammates were huge fans of Efron, and they needed him to be there for the team final. 

Kotb encouraged Biles to look into the camera and ask him personally to come to Rio and watch the competition, which the gymnast, 19 years old at the time, did.

Apparently, the message got back to Efron, and he said he started to watch the gymnastics and became "captivated" by it. Several days later, he surprised Biles and the team in person in Rio during another segment of "TODAY."

Though it was after Biles won her fourth gold at the 2016 games, Efron's presence left Simone starstruck. They took several pictures, including one where Efron kissed Biles' cheek that immediately went viral. 

MORE: Olympic gymnastics live results, updates, highlights from 2024 women's all-around finals

Simone Biles, Zac Efron photo

SportsCenter posted a slide on Instagram that revisited the viral photo from 2016, including a screenshot of the story Efron posted on his Instagram congratulating Biles for her medal in this year's Olympics. He added, "So incredibly proud of you," tagging Biles and including several emojis, including, of course, a goat.

MORE: How many medals has Simone Biles won?

Simone Biles 2024 Olympics schedule

Sunday, July 28

EventTime (ET)Channel
Women's Qualifying — Subdivision 2 (USA, China, Italy)5:40 a.m.NBC, Peacock, Fubo

Tuesday, July 30

EventTime (ET)Channel
Women's Team Final12:15 p.m.NBC, Peacock, Fubo

Thursday, Aug. 1

EventTime (ET)Channel
Women's All-Around Final12:15 p.m.NBC, Peacock, Fubo

Saturday, Aug. 3

EventTime (ET)Channel
Women's Vault Final10:20 a.m.NBC, Peacock, Fubo

Monday, Aug. 5

EventTime (ET)Channel
Women's Balance Beam Final6:38 a.m.E!, Peacock
Women's Floor Exercise Final8:23 a.m.E!, Peacock

Sarah Effress

Sarah Effress Photo

Sarah Effress is an editorial intern for The Sporting News. She is a recent graduate of Northwestern University, and loves to talk soccer and women's college sports.