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.
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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."
My Olympic dream came true 🙏😜 #Rio2016 #FinalFive pic.twitter.com/zcpPispCUS
— Zac Efron (@ZacEfron) August 17, 2016
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
| Event | Time (ET) | Channel |
| Women's Qualifying — Subdivision 2 (USA, China, Italy) | 5:40 a.m. | NBC, Peacock, Fubo |
Tuesday, July 30
| Event | Time (ET) | Channel |
| Women's Team Final | 12:15 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, Fubo |
Thursday, Aug. 1
| Event | Time (ET) | Channel |
| Women's All-Around Final | 12:15 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, Fubo |
Saturday, Aug. 3
| Event | Time (ET) | Channel |
| Women's Vault Final | 10:20 a.m. | NBC, Peacock, Fubo |
Monday, Aug. 5
| Event | Time (ET) | Channel |
| Women's Balance Beam Final | 6:38 a.m. | E!, Peacock |
| Women's Floor Exercise Final | 8:23 a.m. | E!, Peacock |
