Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is an icon and inspiration to many. Her list of accomplishments and accolades have made her a household name. Biles has shown that she deserves the recognition she receives, as she currently holds seven Olympic medals and 30 world championship medals.

Nonetheless, the star gymnast’s life has not always been the easiest. 

After being removed from her mother’s care and placed in a foster home at the age of six, Biles and her younger sister were adopted by their grandparents. Despite this issue, Biles began her journey to greatness at the same age.

Biles was quick to make an impression. Her first moment of fame occurred in 2013, when she won two gold medals at the Antwerp Championship, as well as the all-around title. Biles was only 16 at the time, but she left her mark by creating a move that will be embedded in gymnastic history for years to come “The Biles.” This move consists of a double layout with a half twist.

She continued her journey and went on to compete in the 2016 Olympics, where she received four Olympic gold medals. She won a gold medal in all categories except on the balance beam where she received bronze. 

After her triumph in the Rio Olympics, she went on to win five gold medals in the 2019 World Championships and once again won the all-around title.

Biles also competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 where she won two medals, one silver and one bronze- she now has seven Olympic medals.

However, things weren’t as they appeared. Unexpectedly, Biles announced that she would withdraw from the Olympics to improve her mental health. Biles did not want to risk the team losing out on a medal. She demonstrates how much an athlete goes through and how it takes bravery to accept that everything may not be okay and it is important to prioritize your health.

During her break, Biles worked on herself and found love. She and her husband got married in April 2023 just before her gymnastics comeback in the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

The championship was held in Antwerp, Belgium where she had previously won her first title, exactly 10 years apart. Biles made it seem as if she had never left when she performed a highly complicated move in the vault called the “Yurchenko double pike vault.” She is the only woman to land this move, and it is now being called the “Biles ll.” This would make five total elements Biles has named after her.

Simone Biles has not only demonstrated her talent in gymnastics but also the importance of prioritizing one’s health. Biles has become an active advocate for mental health and an inspiration to all girls and athletes. Her dedication to paying attention to herself and sport is one reason that has caused Simone Biles to be a role model to many.