Simone Biles and Livvy Dunne Set to Shine at the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks
The 2025 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, to be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, are set to feature two prominent athletes from the gymnastics world. Olympic champion Simone Biles will provide the “Rider Up” command during the Derby on May 3, while social media sensation and LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne will take on a similar role at the Oaks on May 2.
Simone Biles: A Legacy of Excellence
Simone Biles, renowned for her impressive athleticism and accomplishments, boasts an exceptional career record. Following her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured four additional medals, Biles’ total Olympic medal count now stands at 11—a testament to her dominance in the sport. Her breakdown includes seven golds, two silvers, and two bronzes. Biles has achieved a remarkable 30 medals at World Championships, 23 of which are gold.
At the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Biles will engage with the crowd by offering the iconic “Rider Up” call, continuing a tradition that highlights the intersection of sports and entertainment.
Livvy Dunne: Rising Star in Gymnastics and Social Media
Livvy Dunne, a standout gymnast at LSU, will command riders during the Kentucky Oaks, the prestigious race for three-year-old fillies, celebrated for its elegance and tradition. Dunne has gained tremendous recognition not only for her athletic prowess but also for her significant impact in the realm of social media, where she ranks fourth among NCAA athletes in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings, reportedly amassing $4.1 million to date.
Celebrity Participation in the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby has a rich history of celebrity involvement, enhancing the event’s allure. In recent years, several notable figures have stepped up to issue the “Rider Up” command, contributing to the Derby’s star-studded atmosphere. Past celebrities include:
- John Calipari (2012)
- Charlie Strong (2013)
- Julius Irving (2014)
- Teddy Bridgewater (2015)
- Sean Peyton (2016)
- Jeff Bridges (2017)
- Laila Ali (2019)
- Baker Mayfield (2019)
- D. Wayne Lukas (2021)
- Jack Harlow (2023)
- Patrick Mahomes (2024)
The upcoming participation of Biles and Dunne in these prestigious events underlines their remarkable achievements both in sports and popular culture, setting the stage for a memorable Kentucky Derby and Oaks experience.
