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OLYMPIC hero Simone Biles left fans divided following her appearance at the Kentucky Derby.

Biles, 28, performed the traditional "Riders up" call, signalling the jockeys to climb aboard their horses before the iconic race.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 03: Simone Biles attends Kentucky Derby 151 at Churchill Downs on May 03, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
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Simone Biles split opinion with her 'Riders up' intro
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 03: Simone Biles attends Kentucky Derby 151 at Churchill Downs on May 03, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
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Biles kicked off this year's Kentucky Derby

The seven-time Olympic champion donned a lavender dress and matching hat as she was flanked by local law enforcement and looked into the camera to deliver the message.

Biles said: "Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment."

The famous gymnast then gave the signal in an excited tone as she blew a kiss to the camera.

Biles' performance split opinion as there were some that thought she sounded too different.

One fan posted: "It was cringey.. She doesn't normally talk like that. Right? Haha maybe she does IDK."

Another commented: "Simone Biles, wow, please don't do that again lol!"

And a third wrote: "Oh, that's a little over the top."

But there were also a lot of people who praised Biles' performance on social media.

One fan posted: "Pretty amazing to have one of the greatest Olympians of all time, Simone Biles, doing the 'Riders up' call for the Kentucky Derby."

Another commented: "Great job at the Derby!!!"

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And a third wrote: "Simone Biles doing it right at the #KentuckyDerby."

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