The Moment Simone Biles Became the Most Decorated Gymnast of All Time
Credits - Lukas Schulze/DPA/Zuma Press
Credits - Lukas Schulze/DPA/Zuma Press
Five moves bear her name. But one moment redefined her legacy entirely. And it all began when gymnastics icon Simone Biles walked into Paris with unfinished business.
Pulling off tricky gymnastics moves or championing mental health and resilience builds influence, but the real highlight was the 2024 Paris Olympics. When a 27-year-old Biles made history with 11 career Olympic medals.
"I don't know, I think I'm always shocked," the champion spoke of her prolific career on a Q&A on her Instagram Story, per PEOPLE. "I'm just here along for the ride and to contribute to the U.S. and just have fun."
Aug 1, 2024; Paris, France; Simone Biles of the United States competes on the beam in the women's gymnastics all-around during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Bercy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2024; Paris, France; Simone Biles of the United States competes on the beam in the women's gymnastics all-around during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Bercy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
In Tokyo, Biles tied Shannon Miller's seven-medal record. However, a true testament to her dominance was the 2024 Paris Games, when she returned after facing backlash for withdrawing from several individual events two years prior.
Her answer to those criticisms was three gold medals and a silver. Biles returned from Paris with a total of 11 Olympic career medals, which included seven gold. With this triumph, she stands at 30 World Championship medals, a world record.
But despite such an irrefutable run, which solidified her status in history, Biles had a surprisingly humble outlook.
Simone Biles’ Humble and Quiet Confidence
The most decorated gymnast in history wasn’t driven by a hunger for more medals to win, more records to break, and more titles to earn. Instead, she gave a succinct answer and let her silence speak volumes.
"I've accomplished way more than my wildest dreams, not just at this Olympics, but in the sport," Biles said in 2024, per ESPN’s Alyssa Roenigk. "A couple of years ago, I didn't think I'd be back here. So, competing and walking away with four medals, I'm not mad at it. I'm pretty proud of myself."
In fact, she’s not the one to keep counts, stats, or even compete for the sake of competition. Gymnastics, for her, has always been something she loves to do.
Whether that love will push her to compete in LA 2028 remains to be seen. Biles will be 31 by then, but she hasn't ruled out a last dance on home soil.
What is the most standout performance of Biles for you? Will she add to her medal haul in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy
Edited by
Sijo Paul