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Simone Biles Left in Disbelief in Visit to LSU

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles was left in awe during her recent trip to Louisiana State University when she came face-to-face with an unusual campus resident: Mike the Tiger.

The gymnastics superstar shared her astonishment on social media after spotting the university’s live tiger mascot.

“This is wiiiillldddd, a whole tiger living on campus,” Biles posted on her Instagram Stories, along with a photo of the tiger relaxing in its enclosure.

Biles, known for her legendary performances in gymnastics, made the trip to Baton Rouge to surprise her close friend and LSU gymnast Zoe Miller.

Biles is shocked to see Mike pic.twitter.com/uNwPXXybzP
— mydzn (@MadelaineDizon) March 26, 2025

However, her well-intentioned surprise didn’t go exactly as planned, as Miller’s Apple inadvertently spoiled it by alerting her to Biles’ location.

Rather than her usual air travel, Biles opted for a road trip from her home in Houston to Baton Rouge. While on campus, she fully embraced the LSU experience, with her encounter with Mike the Tiger becoming a highlight of the trip.

Biles’ visit came just after she and her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, attended the final days of Rodeo Houston 2025. The couple embracing their Texas roots, dressed in cowboy-inspired outfits and enjoyed the festivities.

Biles, who recently turned 28, has been sharing glimpses of her eventful month on social media, from rodeo celebrations to her trip to Baton Rouge.

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A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

With a busy schedule ahead, Biles’ LSU trip was a brief but memorable stop. Whether performing gravity-defying routines or marveling at a tiger, she continues to capture the admiration of fans wherever she goes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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