Simone Biles: The Most Decorated Gymnast of All Time

Simone Biles has firmly established herself as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, a true icon of the sport. With an astonishing 19 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is the most decorated American gymnast of all time. Her achievements have not only cemented her legacy but have also broken barriers as she became the first woman of color to be crowned the world’s all-around champion. Despite being in the public eye for years, there are still many fascinating aspects of Biles’ life that remain relatively unknown. This article explores some of the most interesting facts about this extraordinary athlete.

The Most Decorated Female Gymnast

Simone Biles holds the record as the most decorated female gymnast of all time. Her incredible tally of 25 World Championship medals, achieved after her stunning performance at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, is a testament to her dominance in the sport. Biles has also earned six Olympic gold medals, further solidifying her status as a true champion. Her remarkable achievements don’t end there—she holds the record for the most world all-around titles by a female gymnast, a feat that showcases her unparalleled consistency and skill in the sport.

The Shortest Member of the Olympic Team

At just 4 feet 8 inches tall, Simone Biles was the shortest member of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team during both the 2016 and 2020 Summer Games. While gymnasts are generally shorter than average, Biles’ height has never been a disadvantage. In fact, her stature has been an asset, enabling her to perform highly complex jumps and maneuvers with agility and precision. Biles has always embraced her body and has been an advocate for body positivity, emphasizing that loving oneself is more important than conforming to societal standards.

A Business Savvy Athlete

In addition to her gymnastics prowess, Simone Biles has proven herself to be a savvy businesswoman. She has landed numerous lucrative endorsement deals throughout her career, including partnerships with GK Elite Sportswear and Nike. In 2015, Biles collaborated with GK Elite to design and distribute her own line of leotards, which remain popular among gymnastics enthusiasts. Biles’ business acumen is a reflection of her understanding of her worth and the importance of securing her financial future beyond her athletic career.

A Family Affair

Gymnastics is truly a family affair for Simone Biles. Her younger sister, Adria, is also a gymnast, and the two shared a close bond growing up. They trained together and supported each other in their athletic endeavors. While Simone has risen to the pinnacle of the sport, Adria continues to train and compete, following in her sister’s footsteps. Their relationship is a source of inspiration, showcasing the strength of sibling support and the impact of family in achieving greatness.

An Accomplished Writer

Simone Biles’ talents extend beyond the gymnasium. After her incredible performance at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Biles co-wrote an autobiography titled Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance with the help of seasoned writer Michelle Burford. The book, which chronicles Biles’ journey from her childhood to her Olympic triumphs, became a New York Times bestseller within six months of its release. Biles wrote the autobiography with the hope of inspiring others to follow their dreams, just as she was inspired by the people in her life.

A Unique Path to Education

At the age of 15, Biles made the decision to be homeschooled by her grandparents. This move was strategic, allowing her to dedicate more time to her gymnastics training. The decision paid off when, the following year, she won two gold medals at the World Championships. Although she initially planned to attend UCLA, signing a letter of intent in 2014, Biles ultimately chose to pursue a professional gymnastics career. Her choice has undeniably been the right one, as she has gone on to make history time and time again.

Adopted by Her Grandparents

Simone Biles’ early life was marked by challenges. Her mother struggled with substance abuse, leading Biles and her siblings to spend time in foster care. In 2003, Biles and her younger sister were adopted by their grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles. Ron, a retired Air Force veteran, and Nellie, a retired nurse, provided Simone with a stable and loving home. Despite some controversy during the Olympics when commentators referred to her adoptive parents as her grandparents, Biles has always maintained that Ron and Nellie are her parents in every sense of the word.

A Fateful School Trip

Simone Biles’ journey to becoming a world-class gymnast began in an unexpected way. In 2003, during a daycare field trip to a local gymnasium, Biles discovered gymnastics at the age of six. Her natural talent was immediately apparent, catching the eye of the instructors who encouraged her to take additional lessons. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a legendary career, as the little girl from that field trip went on to become the most decorated female gymnast in history.

Signature Moves

One of the hallmarks of Simone Biles’ career is her ability to push the boundaries of gymnastics. She has several signature moves named after her, known collectively as “The Biles.” Her first signature move, a double layout half on the floor, debuted in 2013. In 2019, she added a front layout to make the move even more complex. Biles has also introduced a move on the vault, named “The Biles,” which she first performed at the 2018 World Championships. Another signature move, dubbed “The Biles 2,” is a triple double on the floor, and she has also executed a double double dismount on the balance beam. These moves not only demonstrate her extraordinary skill but also her ability to innovate within the sport.

A Record-Breaking Trendsetter

Simone Biles is not just a gymnast; she is a trailblazer. In 2018, she became the first American to win a medal in every World Artistic Gymnastics Championship event. She is also the first gymnast to win three consecutive world all-around titles, a feat she later extended to five titles, setting a new record. Biles’ success has broken racial barriers as well—she was the first African American to win a world all-around championship. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles joined an elite group of just five female gymnasts who have won four gold medals in a single Olympic Games. Her achievements are not just milestones in gymnastics but also in the broader landscape of sports history.

A Relatable Fear

Despite her fearless performances in the gym, Simone Biles has a very relatable fear—bees. During the 2014 World Gymnastics Championships in Nanning, China, Biles had a humorous encounter with a bee that flew out of a bouquet she was handed after winning the individual all-around gold medal. The incident, where she tried to shake off the bee and eventually ran away, was captured on camera and became a lighthearted moment that showed a more human side of the champion.

Competing Through Pain

Biles’ determination and resilience were on full display during the 2018 World Gymnastics Championships in Doha, Qatar, when she competed with a kidney stone. The pain was intense, but Biles pushed through, jokingly referring to herself as a “roller coaster” due to the discomfort. Her ability to perform under such challenging circumstances further solidified her reputation as a fearless and committed athlete.

A Fan of Zac Efron

Simone Biles is not immune to the charms of Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron. Despite her status as a global superstar, Biles has openly admitted her crush on the actor. In a heartwarming moment after the U.S. gymnastics team’s success at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Efron surprised the team with a visit. Biles’ reaction was one of pure joy, reminding everyone that even the most accomplished athletes have their fan-girl moments.

Conclusion

Simone Biles’ story is one of unparalleled success, resilience, and breaking barriers. From her early days in foster care to becoming the most decorated gymnast of all time, Biles has inspired millions with her talent, determination, and grace. Her legacy extends beyond her medals, as she continues to be a role model for aspiring athletes and young people around the world. Whether she’s performing signature moves that redefine gymnastics or simply being herself, Simone Biles has proven that she is a true champion in every sense of the word.