“Write me down in history” – Simone Biles
From conquering gravity-defying flips to advocating for mental health, Simone Biles has proven herself to be more than just a gymnastics sensation – she’s a force of nature.
Simone Biles: A Trailblazer in Gymnastics and Mental Health
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Biles vaulted into the world of gymnastics at the age of six. Due to her extraordinary talent and dedication, she quickly rose through the ranks. At just 16 years old, Biles had already made a significant impact with her first World Championship all-around title.
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Simone Biles is a living legend. Her trophy cabinet boasts a mind-boggling 25 World Championship medals, with 19 gleaming golds, firmly cementing her as the most decorated gymnast in history. She has several skills named after her, known as “Biles” elements, showcasing her groundbreaking contributions to the sport.
OLYMPIC GAMES RIO DE JANEIRO 2016
Simone Biles made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. She won four gold medals for team, all-around, vault and floor exercise. She also won one bronze for balance beam, capturing hearts and headlines in equal measure. She solidified her status as a global superstar. Simone Biles doesn’t just break records—she makes gravity take a back seat.
OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were challenging for Simone Biles. During the Games, she withdrew from several events due to mental health concerns and a phenomenon known as the “twisties“. A condition where gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness during complex moves.
Despite immense pressures and expectations, Biles prioritised her safety and well-being. She showcased remarkable resilience by returning to compete in the balance beam final, where she earned a bronze medal. It sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental health in sports. Following the Tokyo Games, Biles announced her temporary retirement from gymnastics to focus on her mental health. She set a new standard for athlete well-being and inspired countless individuals to prioritise their mental health.
OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024
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Following Tokyo’s tumult, Biles embarked on a journey of self-restoration and renewal. She worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges she faced in Tokyo.
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At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles won four gold medals in the team event, all-around, vault, and floor exercise, along with a silver medal on the balance beam. She introduced groundbreaking skills, including a double-twisting Yurchenko vault and a triple-twisting double layout on floor exercise, both of which were named after her, further cementing her legacy as an innovator in the sport. Simone Biles doesn’t just defy gravity—she rewrites the rulebook while doing it.
SIMONE BILES NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
“Simone Biles Rising” explores her journey of overcoming challenges, delving into triumphs, and the mental health struggles she faced leading up to and during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It is a must-watch.
Simone Biles’ legacy extends beyond her numerous medals and records. Her openness about her struggles has helped destigmatise mental health issues and inspired countless individuals to prioritise their well-being. Biles’ contributions to gymnastics, her advocacy for mental health, and her resilience in the face of adversity make her a true icon in the world of sports.
Featured Image Credit: Getty images
