Simone BILES

United States of America

Artistic Gymnastics

Olympic Medals

7G

2S

2B

Games Participations3

First Olympic GamesRio 2016

Year of Birth1997

Social Media

Biography

Considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history and has carved her path with unparalleled brilliance and individuality.

Simone Biles: A Journey from Early Years to Sporting Glory

Born in Columbus, Ohio, on March 14, 1997, Simone Biles started her gymnastics odyssey at only six years old and her journey was destined for greatness from the start.

Too young to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, Biles skyrocketed to fame in 2013. At just 16, she clinched two gold medals at the Antwerp Championship, including the coveted all-around title. Here, she introduced the world to a groundbreaking move on the floor exercise —the Biles, a double layout with a half twist, now cemented into gymnastics history.

With four World Championships golds in 2014 and another four in 2015, the young phenom was already a formidable force heading into her first Olympics at Rio 2016. Biles left no room for doubt, securing gold in the all-around, team, vault, and floor exercises while claiming bronze on the balance beam.

The American continued dominating gymnastics. Her indomitable spirit was again evident at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, where she triumphed with five golds, including the all-around title. Here, she astounded judges by attempting a new move, the Biles II—a double tucked backflip with a triple twist. Her name now adorns five distinct gymnastic moves across floor, balance beam, and vault.

Simone Biles: Navigating Mental Struggles in the Gymnastics Arena

As she entered the 2020 Tokyo Games, expectations reached a crescendo. Simone Biles added two more medals to her Olympic tally, making it a remarkable seven. However, she made headlines by withdrawing from most events, citing mental health concerns. Her struggles with the "twisties," a disorienting mental block during aerial manoeuvres, were laid bare.

Biles' decision to prioritize her mental well-being sparked vital conversations about the immense pressure athletes face and their mental health challenges. Since then, she has become an advocate for mental health.

"I'm making a bigger effort to take care of my mind and my body, which includes therapy once a week. Thursdays are my therapeutic days, a moment for myself," Biles explained in a 2023 interview with Olympics.com, before marking her return to the World Championships.

After a significant hiatus following Tokyo, where she tied the knot with fellow athlete Jonathan Owens, the 4ft8 gymnast received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Biden.

She won five new medals, including four golds, and amassed a total of 30 career medals at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.

Biles' perspective on success has evolved. "Success, to me, means something a little bit different now. Before, everybody defined success for me, even though I had my own narrative. Now, it's about showing up, being in a good mental space, having fun, and letting whatever happens happen," she shared with Olympics.com during the Antwerp tournament.

Her journey will continue, propelling her toward the awaited Paris 2024 Olympics.