The Unstoppable Simone Biles: From Humble Beginnings to Gymnastics Greatness

By Leroy Adams

Simone Biles holds her gold medal during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on Tuesday.Lionel Bonaventure / AFP - Getty Images

Simone Biles is the epitome of greatness in gymnastics. With 25 World Championship medals and 8 Olympic medals, her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of travel and personal growth. Let's explore the life story of this extraordinary queen, who continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Rising from Humble Beginnings to World Championships

Simone Biles begins her gymnast career at age 6.

Simone Biles first stepped into a gym at six when most of us were still struggling with cursive handwriting. Her early career was anything but smooth. In 2011, she faced a significant setback, missing the U.S. junior national team after finishing 14th in the all-around at the U.S. Championships. Some believed she was unfairly overlooked.

But Biles' spirit remained unbroken. By 2012, she had bounced back, clinching the junior all-around crowns at the American and U.S. Classic competitions. Her breakthrough came in 2013 when she snagged four medals at her first World Championships, including gold in the all-around and floor exercise.

"At that point, I was just trying to go out there and make a name for myself," Biles said of her breakout 2013 World Championships performance in the Netflix series Simone Biles Rising, produced in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee. "That was the first and only Worlds I was an underdog in.

"Once you win it, it changes all expectations for the rest of your career. It's easy being the underdog," continued Biles. "Now, every time I show up, I'm expected to win."

This was just the start. By 2015, she had become the first woman to win three consecutive world all-around titles, firmly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with.

Olympic Glory and Personal Struggles

Simone Biles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The 2016 Rio Olympics were a turning point for Simone Biles. She dazzled the world by winning four gold medals, securing her status as a global superstar. The immense pressure didn't faze her; instead, she delivered performances that left audiences in awe. After this incredible feat, Biles took a well-deserved break in 2017 to travel and recharge, returning to the sport with renewed vigor.

In 2018, she showed remarkable courage by sharing her story of surviving abuse by Larry Nassar, a former U.S.A. Gymnastics team doctor. Despite battling kidney stones that year, Biles triumphed at the World Championships in Doha, winning multiple titles and showcasing her indomitable spirit.

Her journey faced more challenges. The 2021 Tokyo Olympics brought new trials as Biles struggled with the "twisties," a mental block that forced her to withdraw from several events. Her decision to prioritize her mental health resonated globally, sparking crucial conversations about athlete well-being.

Simone Biles struggled with the twisties at the Tokyo Olympics

"Working five years for a dream and giving it up was not easy at all," she told N.B.C.'s Hoda Kotb in Japan. "I didn't know if I was ever going to be able to compete again because there were multiple times this year where I was in the gym, and I was like, 'I'm actually terrified of this full-in like I'm not doing it again, never going to do it,'" Biles told Olympics.com in an exclusive interview before the 2023 World Championships.

Travel as a Path to Healing and Growth

Simone Biles takes time off to travel the world

Travel has played a pivotal role in Simone Biles' personal development. After her Rio triumphs, she took time off in 2017 to explore the world. This period allowed her to recharge, gain new perspectives, and find balance in her life. For many African American travelers, Biles' story highlights the importance of travel as a means of healing, self-discovery, and growth.

Her travels contributed to her mental fortitude, helping her continue excelling in her sport and life. Stepping away from daily pressures and exploring new environments can be incredibly beneficial for one's mental and emotional well-being, a lesson Biles exemplifies.

Celebrating a Legend: The Enduring Legacy of Simone Biles

Simone Biles' journey is far from over. In 2021, she became the first American woman to capture seven national all-around titles, reaffirming her status as the G.O.A.T. In 2023, she celebrated another milestone by getting married, continuing to inspire with her personal and professional achievements.

Biles' legacy extends beyond gymnastics. She embodies the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and travel's transformative impact. Her story encourages us to relentlessly pursue our dreams, advocate for ourselves and others, and find strength in adversity.

As we celebrate Simone Biles's incredible achievements, we are reminded that her journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration for African American travelers and people worldwide. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved with perseverance, determination, and a commitment to personal growth.

Congrats, Simone! You are a true legend and an inspiration to us all.