Simone Biles officially became the most decorated athlete in gymnastics after competing in the World Artistic Gymnastic championship in 2023 and bringing home four gold medals. Now with a whopping 37 career medals, Biles has secured her spot as the greatest gymnast of all time.
After her two year career gap, Biles has finally returned to competing. On Oct. 8 in Belgium, Biles competed in her first competition since the break. She came back with full force, delivering a picture perfect performance on the beam and a floor routine with a rock solid landing after a full-twisting double back dismount.
At the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Biles had to step out of the competition as she developed a sudden case of “the twisties,” a very serious medical condition in gymnastics where one’s mind and body become disoriented. During one of her routines at the Olympics, Biles lost awareness of her body’s position mid-flip, known as a “twistie”. Biles knew she had to step away for her own safety to avoid a more long-term injury.
Despite setbacks, Biles’ career is one for the record books, as her abundance of titles and wins puts her above any other gymnast on the planet. Beginning her legacy at just 14 years old, Biles started to compete at the elite level of gymnastics and then went on to win her first U.S. championship in 2013 and won a gold medal at the same competition the following year. In 2015, she became the first gymnast since 1992 to win three consecutive U.S. all-around titles. Biles competed in her first Olympic Games in 2016, leading the U.S. team to win both the team and individual golds at only 19 years old. She was the fifth gymnast to win four golds at an Olympic Games, officially making her mark on the world stage.
This year, Biles is finally back and looking forward to taking on the 2024 France Olympics with a fresh perspective. She plans to take things slower this year and stay focused on herself mentally and physically.
Simone Biles continues to show women that anything is possible. She motivates them to follow their dreams and never give up even in hard times.
