Since 2013, Simone Biles has reigned supreme over the world of gymnastics. Guided by impressive determination and rigorous discipline, she has become the most decorated gymnast in history. Highly popular, she is supported by numerous fans and athletes, especially for her advocacy on mental health issues in sports. Here is the story of an athlete who continuously pushes the boundaries of her sport.
Gymnastics: from a hobby to a passion
Born in Ohio on March 14, 1997, Simone Biles was placed in foster care at the age of 3. Later, she and her sister were adopted by their grandparents, who provided her with a stable environment and nurtured her interest in gymnastics. Fascinated by a TV show about the sport, she began gymnastics at the age of 6. Encouraged by her grand parents, she started training at a local club. Initially enrolled at Bannon’s Gymnastics, she later joined the World Champions Centre, where she received crucial support for her development as a top-level athlete.
An impressive track record
In 2013, she won her first world title with two gold medals (all-around, floor) and a bronze medal (beam). Since then, she has collected 34 medals at the World Championships and the Olympics, making her the most decorated gymnast in history, male or female. In 2016, three years later, she competed in her first Olympic Games in Rio. However, she faced accusations of doping. She then revealed that she has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and needs to take methylphenidate, a medication usually banned in sports. Nevertheless, her athletic achievements remain remarkable. In 2019, at the World Championships in Doha, she performed the Biles II. This move is particularly complex, as it includes multiple rotations. Simone became the first to introduce it in competition, thus vividly illustrating how she continues to push the limits of the sport.
A champion who prioritizes her mental health
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the gymnast experienced a phenomenon known as “the twisties,” a term gymnasts use to describe a loss of spatial awareness and a dangerous psychological state. Persisting in this condition can lead to injuries from losing orientation in the air. Simone withdrew from all finals except the balance beam, where she won a bronze medal, earning her seventh Olympic medal. She received widespread support from the sports community and beyond, highlighting the pressures and expectations faced by high-level athletes. She is one of the first athletes to bring attention to the importance of mental health in sports. In 2021, Time magazine named her Athlete of the Year for highlighting this issue. Her triumphant return to the World Championships in 2023, where she won her sixth world all-around title, proves she continues to dominate her sport while inspiring future generations.
An inspirational woman!
The streaming platform Netflix has decided to dedicate a unique documentary to her, tracing the champion’s journey. This four-part series highlights not only the gymnast but also the woman. We see Simone Biles recently married to Jonathan Owens, an American football player, enjoying a well-deserved break. Fans of the American athlete can remain confident: more determined than ever, she is relaunching her career with one goal in mind—the Paris Olympics. Until we see her on the Olympic podiums, don’t miss the documentary Simone Biles: Rising, available on Netflix.