SZA Battles It Out With Simone Biles in New Video

Leading up to the Olympics, SZA challenges Simone Biles to a handstand competition and shares about her past as a gymnast.

When SZA first meets up with Biles, in a video released by NBC Sports, it is clear that the “Saturn” singer is a huge fan of the Olympic gymnast. “This is my dream, to talk to you,” she tells the gold medalist. “I was so hype, because you’re just, like, my wildest dream.” The upcoming Paris Olympics are not the only reason for SZA’s excitement; as the “Kill Bill” singer later reveals, she used to be a gifted gymnast before she began making music.

SZA and Simone doing beam dismounts was not on my bingo card for today, but I’m here for it! SZA’s tuck was not bad at all pic.twitter.com/01foKxVyZ6

— (@cheernastix) June 30, 2024

In a brief interview with Biles, the R&B artist shares a little about her history with gymnastics. “I was nowhere near as cool as you,” SZA gushes to the four-time Olympic champion. Even though the “Good Days” singer may never have brought her skills to an Olympic level, her 13-year tenure in gymnastics did not come without its accolades. According to a 2013 interview with Complex, the Grammy-winning artist became fifth in the nation as a gymnast when she was only a sophomore in high school.

While stretching it out with Biles on the mat, SZA explains that she left gymnastics for music “when it was clear to [her] that [she] wasn’t gonna be a national gymnast.” “I was like, ‘Okay, let me see what I can do, or see what else I can be good at,’” she recalls. “I needed something to be competitive at.”

Although it has been a while since the “Nobody Gets Me” singer stepped onto the mat for an official competition, she is still able to hold her own against an Olympic gold-winning gymnastics champion in a friendly handstand contest. After outlasting Biles in the contest, the “Love Galore” singer returns to her feet as Biles applauds her impressive balance and skill. “That was so good!” the gold medalist exclaims. 

sza and simone biles having a handstand competition made my whole morning pic.twitter.com/GVjeY4Ex5q

— — (@ctrlsosru) July 1, 2024

Readers can stream SZA’s music on all platforms. You can also cheer on Simone Biles by watching the Olympics on NBC starting July 26. You can watch SZA and Biles compete below.