Simone Biles Put Herself First and Won

Ah, Simone Biles—the gymnast who broke records and shattered expectations. There’s no denying it: this woman is unstoppable. From winning four gold medals at the World Championships to securing an incredible bronze medal in the Olympics, Simone Biles continues to remind us that she’s not just the most decorated gymnast, but also a symbol of strength, resilience, and courage.

Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, as the third of four siblings. Her early life was tough, with Biles and her siblings moving in and out of foster care. In 2003, her adoptive parents, Ron and Nellie Biles, took her in, and she moved to Texas. She later gained Belizean citizenship through her adoptive mother, considering Belize her second home.

Biles began gymnastics at age six after impressing instructors on a daycare field trip. She trained under coach Aimee Boorman from age eight at Bannon's Gymnastics in Houston. Diagnosed with ADHD early on, she was prescribed Ritalin to help her focus. With the help of her adoptive parents, she set goals for her gymnastics career each year.

Early Life and Career

Before Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history, her journey began with resilience and determination. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Simone faced early life challenges that could have derailed anyone’s dreams. With her mother unable to care for her, Simone and her sister Adria found a new beginning when their grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, adopted them and brought them to Texas. This loving, supportive home became the foundation for everything Simone would achieve.

Her rise through the ranks was nothing short of meteoric. At the 2010 Women’s Junior Olympic National Championships, Simone clinched gold in the floor exercise and bronze on vault, signaling the arrival of a new star. By 2011, she was competing at the junior national championships, and soon after, she made her mark in international competition. Her senior debut at the 2013 American Cup was just the beginning—Simone quickly became a force at the world gymnastics championships, collecting gold medals in the all around title, vault, balance beam, and floor exercise.

From her early days in Texas to the top of the podium at the world gymnastics championships, Simone Biles has redefined what it means to be a decorated gymnast. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, family support, and the courage to break barriers. And as she continues to compete and inspire, there’s no doubt that Simone’s legacy will endure for generations to come.

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Biles' Mental Health Journey: The Real Victory

Alright, let’s be honest here: the mental health struggles of athletes are often swept under the rug. But not with Biles. She made it clear that mental health concerns are just as important as physical ones. Remember when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental well-being? Biles explained that she was experiencing the psychological phenomenon known as ‘the twisties', which affected her ability to safely perform. Simone Biles withdrew from most events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns, specifically citing the twisties. She wasn’t backing down—she was showing that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Her decision wasn’t just brave; it was revolutionary. Simone Biles was putting herself first in a world where athletes are often expected to perform at all costs. And guess what? The world watched and supported her.

Citing mental health concerns, Biles took a step back to recharge and come back stronger. After withdrawing from the team final at the Tokyo Olympics, she stated, ‘I say put mental health first. Because if you don't, then you're not going to enjoy your sport and you're not going to succeed as much as you want to.' Sure, some critics tried to tear her down, but Biles proved that you can be vulnerable and still be powerful. She came back to win more gold medals and solidified her place as the most decorated gymnast in history. If that’s not a lesson in self-care and mental health awareness, I don’t know what is.

Following her experiences at the Tokyo Olympics, Biles has made a concerted effort to take care of her mental health, including attending therapy sessions weekly.

The Rise of Simone Biles: From National Championships to World Championships History

It’s hard to talk about Simone Biles without mentioning her dominance in the gym. As of 2026, Simone Biles holds 41 combined Olympic and World Championship medals, including 11 Olympic medals. Biles won a record total of 11 Olympic medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. Biles has taken home a total of 30 World Championship medals, including 23 world championship gold medals, which is the most for any gymnast.

She is a six-time individual all-around champion at the World Championships, winning the all around event in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2023, demonstrating her dominance in the all around competition and earning consecutive all around titles. Biles is the first gymnast to win six world all-around titles, achieving this feat in 2023, and she won her second consecutive world all-around title in 2014.

She is also the only gymnast to have won a World Championship medal on every event, achieving this milestone in 2019. Biles has won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award four times, in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2025. And let’s talk about that moment when she won the world all around title—again and again. Every time she hit the mat, she made history.

But here’s the kicker: Biles didn’t just win because she was good at gymnastics. She won because she trained like no one else. From her iconic vault and balance beam routines to her floor exercise, she pushed the boundaries of artistic gymnastics. But it wasn’t just about being flashy; it was about perfecting the Biles II—a double layout salto half twist—and breaking barriers in the world championship competition. Her passion? Her drive? Unmatched. And don’t even get me started on her performance at the USA Gymnastics National Championships. Biles didn’t just compete; she owned it.

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The Floor Exercise: Simone's Signature Routine

Floor exercise—Simone’s domain, her stage, her moment to shine. Honestly, is there anyone who does the floor exercise better than Biles? I think not. It’s not just about the flips, twists, and gravity-defying moves. What makes her stand out is how she makes the crowd go wild. Every movement tells a story, capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. Biles didn’t just win titles; she rewrote the floor exercise final.

Biles became the first gymnast in world championships history to win six gold medals on floor exercise at the 2023 World Championships. She has competed and medaled on all four events—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—demonstrating her versatility and dominance across the sport. Her performances on the uneven bars, both in all-around and event finals, have contributed to her remarkable medal tally and showcase her all-around excellence.

We’re talking about the half-out Biles II—a move that, frankly, only she can execute like that. Her floor exercise titles are legendary, and let’s be real, it’s a miracle if you get through one of her routines without gasping for air. When it comes to the art of gymnastics, Simone Biles is truly an artist. Her consistency? Out of this world. Her ability to take risks and push boundaries in the sport? Well, that’s what makes her the best.

Biles and the Yurchenko Double Pike: A New Era in Vaulting

Now, let’s talk about vaults. Simone Biles didn’t just follow in the footsteps of those before her; she created a new path. Introducing the Yurchenko double pike Biles—a move so daring, so difficult, that gymnasts everywhere had to take notes. Biles became the first woman to complete a Yurchenko double pike on vault during competition in 2021. The double pike vault, which involves two backward flips in a piked position, is considered one of the most difficult vaults ever performed, and Biles has also incorporated a half turn in her innovative vaults to further increase their difficulty. She is the originator of the most difficult skill on women's vault, balance beam, and floor exercise. This is not your average vault. This is a game-changer.

When Biles performed this vault at the USA Gymnastics National Championships, everyone knew the world of gymnastics equipment was about to change forever. Her vault and floor combination became the stuff of legends. And let’s face it, no one else had the guts to even try this vault—let alone nail it. Simone didn’t just vault her way to gold; she vaulted into the history books. And that’s the thing about Simone—she does the impossible with a smile.

Mental Health and Its Role in Simone's Victory

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. Mental health challenges are a serious topic, but they didn’t hold Simone back. Instead, they helped her grow. She’s openly talked about how mental health concerns impacted her performances, and guess what? It didn’t make her weak—it made her stronger. Biles showed the world that gymnast Simone Biles wasn’t just an athlete who excelled in competitions; she was a woman who was not afraid to speak up.

In fact, her story has encouraged countless young gymnasts and athletes to take care of their mental health. The United States Olympic Committee even supported her decision to step back from the competition. That’s a huge win for both Simone and the mental health movement in sports. By prioritizing mental health, Biles did what no one else had done—she made the world realize that mental health is just as important as physical health. And in doing so, she inspired an entire generation to put themselves first.

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The Balance Beam: Simone's Other Arena of Victory

Let’s switch gears and talk about the balance beam. Ah, the balance beam—a challenge for many gymnasts, but for Simone? It’s another place to dominate. Think about it. The balance beam is all about precision, control, and composure. It’s the perfect stage for Biles to show off her flawless technique and impeccable form.

But even more impressive? The way she combines grace with power. Her balance beam final performances leave everyone speechless. This is where Simone’s artistic gymnastics truly shines—where her medal count skyrockets, and where she makes history over and over again. Whether she’s nailing a layout or mastering a full twist, Biles’ balance beam routine is poetry in motion. It’s a thing of beauty, and it’s pure Simone Biles magic.

Biles and the Olympic Trials: More Than Just Medals

Let’s not forget about the Olympic Trials. We all know that making it to the Olympics is an enormous feat, but for Simone Biles, it’s a walk in the park. I mean, this woman has been through more Olympic trials than most gymnasts ever dream of. And every single time, she comes out on top. From the Olympic gymnasts trials to her Olympic medals, Biles has proven time and time again that she’s not just a contender—she’s the one to beat.

Biles has played a crucial role in the team event and team competition, helping Team USA secure gold medals and demonstrating her leadership and consistency. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she won her second individual gold medal in the vault final, adding to her individual gold medals in the all-around and floor exercise, and also earned a silver medal on the balance beam. Notably, at the 2016 Olympics, Biles became the first female U.S. gymnast to win four gold medals at a single Games. She is also the first woman to win two Olympic all-around titles non-consecutively, achieving this at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Biles was selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Hezly Rivera.

So, what makes Biles stand out during the Olympic trials? It’s her ability to stay cool under pressure. The team finals aren’t just about doing what you know—they’re about doing what you know, under the highest possible pressure. And that’s where Biles thrives. Her consistency in world championships history and international competition speaks for itself. She’s been there, done that, and bought the medals to prove it.

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The Biles Effect: How She Changed Gymnastics Forever

Alright, so what’s the takeaway here? Well, let’s just say that Simone Biles didn’t just change gymnastics—she revolutionized it. From her vault and floor performances to the Yurchenko double pike Biles, Simone Biles showed us all that there are no limits. And that includes when it comes to mental health. By speaking up and stepping down when she needed to, Biles changed the narrative around mental health in sports. She didn’t just win in the gym; she won in life.

Biles was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 2022. She is married to NFL player Jonathan Owens, whom she met through the dating app Raya in 2020. In June 2023, Biles announced her return to competition at the 2023 U.S. Classic, where she competed all four events for an all-around score of 59.100, finishing five points ahead of runner-up Leanne Wong.

Later that year, she won her eighth national all-around title at the U.S. National Championships, breaking the record previously held by Alfred Jochim. At the 2023 World Championships, Biles qualified in first place in the all-around final with a score of 58.932, nearly two points ahead of teammate Shilese Jones. In the team competition, Biles led the U.S. team to an unprecedented seventh consecutive team gold medal.

When it comes to artistic gymnastics, no one even comes close to the level Biles has set. Whether it’s her gold medals, world championships, or that flawless double layout, Simone Biles continues to prove that she’s more than just a gymnast—she’s a trailblazer. So, what can we learn from her? Put yourself first, take care of your mental health, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t break records.

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