How Simone Biles Became a Gymnastics Icon and Inspired Millions Around the World
Credits - Lukas Schulze/DPA/Zuma Press
Credits - Lukas Schulze/DPA/Zuma Press
While gymnastics was her stepping stone, Simone Biles’ name goes above and beyond the parameters of sport, making her synonymous with resilience, athleticism, and inspiration.
Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, the most decorated gymnast in history stepped foot on the mats at 6. By 14, she moved to Houston, nearing the history she’d make 2 years later, at the 2013 Antwerp Championship.
“At just 16, she clinched two gold medals at the Antwerp Championship, including the coveted all-around title,” Olympic.com explained. “Here, she introduced the world to a groundbreaking move on the floor exercise, the Biles. A double layout with a half twist.”
August 5, 2024, Paris, Ile de France, France: Simone Biles of the United States waits for her score with coach Cecile Landi after competing on the beam on day three of the gymnastics event finals at the Arena Bercy during the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday August 5, 2024, in Paris. Paris France - ZUMAj89_ 20240805_oly_j89_061 Copyright: xPaulxKitagaki,xJr.x
August 5, 2024, Paris, Ile de France, France: Simone Biles of the United States waits for her score with coach Cecile Landi after competing on the beam on day three of the gymnastics event finals at the Arena Bercy during the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday August 5, 2024, in Paris. Paris France - ZUMAj89_ 20240805_oly_j89_061 Copyright: xPaulxKitagaki,xJr.x
With a move now cemented in gymnastics history, Biles' explosive talent and hard work already made her a formidable force before the 2016 Rio Games. And she made her Olympic debut with four gold and a bronze.
The medals kept coming. And four more gymnastics moves were officially named after her: The Biles II (Floor), The Biles (Vault), The Biles (Beam), The Biles II (Vault), including the 2013’s The Biles.
With 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals, Biles rose to the status of the greatest gymnast of her era. However, she wasn’t limited to just her sport.
Simone Biles, a Champion of Mental Health in Sports
At the 2020 Tokyo Games, Biles withdrew from several individual events after experiencing twisties. It is a dangerous and life-threatening condition where the gymnast’s body and mind fall out of sync.
However, her decision to prioritize her mental health was met with both appreciation and criticism. Despite the criticism, the gymnast stood firm in her decision, championing the importance of catering to mental health.
"Put mental health first because if you don't, then you're not going to enjoy your score. And you're not going to succeed as much as you want to,” she said, per PEOPLE. “It's okay sometimes to sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself. Because it shows how strong a competitor you really are.”
A champion on and off the mats is what defines Biles the best, who not only reset the records but also revolutionized gymnastics entirely.
Do you find Biles’ journey inspiring? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy
Edited by
Sijo Paul