HOUSTON - Dozens of excited fans gathered at Bush IAH Wednesday to welcome Olympic gold medalist and Spring native Simone Biles home to Houston.
The gymnast landed at Bush Wednesday afternoon after a whirlwind two days in New York. She addressed the cheering crowd, but a bashful Biles admitted she was a little nervous about giving a speech.
"I thank everyone in all of Houston for coming out and welcoming me home from Rio," Biles said. "I love you guys!"
Mayor Sylvester Turner presented her a proclamation and declared August 24, 2016 as "Simone Biles Day'" in Houston.
"She has been on the global world stage since 2013, she has been incredible," Turner said. "Simone, you have inspired kids all over the globe and I commend you for it."
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the Houston Texans Cheerleaders and Toro were also among the crowd waiting to congratulate Biles on her achievements in Rio.
Congresswoman Lee presented Biles with a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol earlier this week.
"She is -- and this family is -- an American treasure," Lee said.
Biles parents, Ron and Nellie, and her brother and sister were by her side.
"This is overwhelming. This is way more than we expected," Ron Biles told KHOU 11 Sports anchor Matt Musil.
The multi-gold medalist also got a hero’s welcome on the streets of her hometown in Spring.
Hundreds of people lined up on Rayford just off the Grand Parkway for over an hour waiting for Biles’ arrival. Many of them were her neighbors, gym mates and friends, who were all beyond excited to welcome home their gold medal girl.
Biles didn’t let the jetlag show, she was popped up out of her sunroof taking her time to wave at fans. Everyone from little girls to adults chanted and cheered at the young Olympian, excited to see her back where she started.
Biles won four gold medals and one bronze in the 2016 Olympics, the most ever by a U.S. gymnast.
