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Simone Biles: The Unstoppable Force in Gymnastics

Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, is a powerhouse of precision and grace. With a record-breaking 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is widely regarded as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) in her sport.

Biles also released an autobiography, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance in 2017.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Springs, Texas. She attended elementary school in Harris County, Texas, until being homeschooled in 2012 to allow for more gymnastics training.  Biles began her gymnastics journey at age six during a daycare field trip.

Adopted by her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, she quickly emerged as a prodigy. Her natural talent and dedication catapulted her to the top of the gymnastics world. She continued her gymnastics journey at Bannon’s Gymnastics, where she honed her skills under the guidance of coaches who recognized her potential and nurtured her talent.

Personal life

In 2022, Biles married Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Houston Texans. The couple’s love story is a testament to the power of support and encouragement.

The Owens

Junior Gymnastics Career

Under the guidance of coach Aimee Boorman, Simone Biles soared through the junior ranks, transitioning to elite status in 2011-2012. Boorman’s mentorship was instrumental in honing Biles’ technique, building her confidence, and fostering a fierce competitive spirit. Biles made a triumphant international debut in 2013, shining at esteemed events like the City of Jesolo Trophy and American Cup. Her dazzling performances and innate talent swiftly captivated the gymnastics world, heralding her as a rising star destined for greatness.

Rise to Prominence

Biles’ breakthrough moment came at the 2013 World Championships, where she won two gold medals and became the first African American to claim an all-around title. She went on to win three consecutive all-around titles at the World Championships (2013-2015) and four at the US National Championships (2013-2016).

Mental Health Journey

In 2021, Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns, citing the “twisties.” Her decision sparked a global conversation about mental health and athlete well-being. Biles has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, using her platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Simone Biles Rising- Mental Health Journey
Olympic History

Biles solidified her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, with remarkable achievements at the Olympics Games throughout her career. Every time she steps onto the Olympic stage, she captivates the nation and her record-breaking achievements have ignited a sense of pride and admiration among Americans.

Olympic Games RIO 2016:
  • Floor Exercise Final (Aug. 16, 2016): Biles dazzled with her floor exercise routine, earning yet another gold medal and cementing her status as a gymnastics legend.
  • Women’s Qualification (Aug. 7, 2016): Biles led the U.S. national gymnastics team to qualify in first place for the final with a score of 185.238. She qualified individually as the top gymnast for four of the five individual finals: the all-around with a score of 62.416, vault with an average score of 16.050, balance beam with a score of 15.633 and floor exercise with a score of 15.733.
  • Team Final (Aug. 9, 2016): Biles was a pivotal member of the “Final Five” U.S. national gymnastics team, which also included Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian and Aly Raisman. They clinched the gold medal in the team final.
  • All-Around Final (Aug. 11, 2016): Biles again claimed the gold medal.
  • Vault Final (Aug. 14, 2016): Biles continued her winning streak and captured the gold medal in the vault final.
  • Balance Beam Final (Aug. 15, 2016): Biles secured the bronze medal.
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
  • Team Competition (July 27, 2021): Biles competed in the team competition and contributed to Team USA’s silver medal-winning performance. (Team – Women), bronze (Beam – Women), 9th (Floor Exercise – Women, Vault – Women), 11th (Uneven Bars – Women), 25th (Individual All-Around – Women)
  • Balance Beam Final (August 3, 2021): Biles made a triumphant return to competition in the balance beam final to claim the bronze medal.
  • Olympic Games Paris 2024, gold (Team – Women)
World Championship Experience
  • Most recent: 2023 – gold (Beam – Women, Floor Exercise – Women, Individual All-Around – Women, Team – Women), silver (Vault – Women), 5th (Uneven Bars – Women)
  • Years of participation: Beam – Women 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023; Floor Exercise – Women 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023; Individual All-Around – Women 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023; Team – Women 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023; Uneven Bars – Women 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023; Vault – Women 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023
  • Medals: 30 (23 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze)
    • Gold – 2023 (Beam – Women, Floor Exercise – Women, Individual All-Around – Women, Team – Women); 2019 (Beam – Women, Floor Exercise – Women, Individual All-Around – Women, Team – Women, Vault – Women); 2018 (Floor Exercise – Women, Individual All-Around – Women, Team – Women, Vault – Women); 2015 (Beam – Women, Floor Exercise – Women, Individual All-Around – Women, Team – Women); 2014 (Beam – Women, Floor Exercise – Women, Individual All-Around – Women, Team – Women); 2013 (Floor Exercise – Women, Individual All-Around – Women)
    • Silver – 2023 (Vault – Women); 2018 (Uneven Bars – Women); 2014 (Vault – Women); 2013 (Vault – Women)
    • Bronze – 2018 (Beam – Women); 2015 (Vault – Women); 2013 (Beam – Women)

Team USA 2024

As a proud member of Team USA, Biles is joined by a talented group of gymnasts, including:

  • Simone Biles
  • Jordan Chiles
  • Helzy Rivera
  • Jade Carey
  • Sunisa Lee

Bile’s is a 3-time Olympian; 8-time Olympic medalist (5 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze)

Together, they have led the women’s gymnastics team to numerous victories, including their recent win at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Biles and Team USA

Medal Count

  • Olympic Games: 8 medals (5 gold, 2 bronze, 1 silver)
  • World Championships: 25 medals (18 gold, 7 silver, 1 bronze)
  • US National Championships: 7 medals (6 gold, 1 silver)

Awards and Recognition

  • AP Female Athlete of the Year (2016, 2019)
  • ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete (2017, 2019)
  • Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world (2021)
  • Glamour Woman of the Year (2017)
  • Forbes 30 Under 30 (2020)

Legacy

Biles‘ has redefined gymnastics since her 2013 debut, accumulating a record 37 world championships and Olympic medals.

With a streak of victories from Rio 2016 (four gold medals) to Tokyo 2020, she has consistently raised the bar.

She’s a trailblazer, inspiring a new generation of gymnasts and fans worldwide.

Her impact extends far beyond her medals and accolades. A two-time Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year (2019, 2020), Biles has cemented her legacy as an American gymnastics icon.

As she continues to break records and push boundaries, one thing is clear – Simone Biles is unstoppable.

Skills / Floor Routine

Simone Biles is renowned for her skills and performances, particularly in the floor exercise, where her dynamic routines have captivated audiences and displayed her unparalleled athleticism.

In her floor routines, Biles showcases a wide array of skills, including:

  • Double Layout: Biles often opens her routine with a double layout. This includes two backflips while maintaining a completely stretched body position, demonstrating incredible aerial awareness and control.
  • Triple Twist: The triple-twisting double backflip is one of Biles’ signature moves. In this exercise, she rotates three times in the air while executing a double backflip, showcasing her exceptional tumbling ability.
  • Front Tumbling Passes: Biles incorporates front tumbling passes into her routine, including versatile front layouts and front double twists, a mastery of both forward and backward tumbling.
  • Split Jumps and Leaps: Throughout her routine, Biles incorporates split jumps and leaps, demonstrating her flexibility.
  • Dynamic Choreography: Biles’ floor routines are characterized by dynamic choreography with movements synchronized to the music.

Biles also excels in events including the vault, balance beam and uneven bars. Her unique blend of strength and technical skill and the flawless execution of these innovative routines have earned her many accolades. 

“Biles” and “Biles II”

When a gymnast successfully performs a skill that has never been executed before in competition, the skill may be named after them. Biles has also left her mark on gymnastics history with skills known as the “Biles” and the “Biles II.” The “Biles” floor exercise is a double layout with a half twist, and the “Biles II” floor exercise is a double layout with a full twist.

Professional Gymnastics Career 

2013: In 2013, Simone Biles made her competitive debut at the American Cup in Houston. Biles continued to impress at the U.S. Classic in Chicago, where she demonstrated her skills on a national stage. At the U.S. national championships in St. Louis, she finished third in her division but was crowned national all-around champion, highlighting her exceptional talent and consistency. 

Biles also made history at the 2013 world championships by becoming the first African American gymnast to win multiple medals, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport. 

2014: In 2014, Simone Biles continued her rise in gymnastics with her performance at the world championships, securing gold medals in the all-around, floor exercise and team events. She defended her national all-around title at the U.S. national championships, and her remarkable achievements earned her widespread recognition and acclaim.

2015: In 2015, Biles successfully defended her titles at the world championships in the all-around, floor exercise and team events. At the U.S. national championships, she secured her third consecutive national all-around title. 

2016: Simone Biles reached the pinnacle of her career with a series of victories at the Rio 2016 Games. She made history by clinching four gold medals in the all-around, vault, floor exercise and team events. her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

Women’s Qualification (Aug. 7, 2016): Biles led the U.S. national gymnastics team to qualify in first place for the final with a score of 185.238. She qualified individually as the top gymnast for four of the five individual finals: the all-around with a score of 62.416, vault with an average score of 16.050, balance beam with a score of 15.633 and floor exercise with a score of 15.733

Floor Exercise Final (Aug. 16, 2016): Biles dazzled with her floor exercise routine, earning yet another gold medal and cementing her status as a gymnastics legend.

Team Final (Aug. 9, 2016): Biles was a pivotal member of the “Final Five” U.S. national gymnastics team, which also included Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian and Aly Raisman. They clinched the gold medal in the team final.

All-Around Final (Aug. 11, 2016): Biles again claimed the gold medal.

Vault Final (Aug. 14, 2016): Biles continued her winning streak and captured the gold medal in the vault final.

Balance Beam Final (Aug. 15, 2016): Biles secured the bronze medal.

2017: In 2017, Biles took a brief hiatus from competitive gymnastics but remained involved in the sport, inspiring fans with her resilience and determination.

    2018: Biles made a triumphant comeback in 2018 at the world championships and secured multiple medals, including gold in the team event and the all-around.

    2019: Biles made history by successfully executing two new skills named after her.

    2020: Biles competed in the team competition and contributed to Team USA’s silver medal-winning performance.

    2021: Biles returned to competition at the Tokyo Olympics, contributing to the success of the U.S. national team with a silver medal in the team event and a bronze medal in the balance beam final. 

    2023: Biles secured multiple medals and accolades at national and international competitions, remaining a role model and inspiration to aspiring gymnasts worldwide.

    Balance Beam Final (August 3, 2021): Biles made a triumphant return to competition in the balance beam final to claim the bronze medal.

    Paris Olympics 2024

    Now, at the Paris Olympics 2024, Biles is making a triumphant return to the international stage.

    She’s submitted an original element on bars, set to be named after her – a clear hip circle forward to handstand with a 1.5 turn (540°) in the handstand phase.

    With a combined score of 59.666 after her strong qualification, Biles is leading the all-round table. Her first three performances have left fans and fellow athletes in awe.

    “Simone Biles is a force of nature,” says gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton. “Her dedication, passion, and resilience inspire us all.”

    This comeback is not just about winning medals; it’s about cementing her legacy. Biles is redefining what’s possible in gymnastics and beyond.

    The Biles 540°
    QUICK FACTS ABOUT SIMONE BILES
    • Sport: Artistic gymnastics
    • Level: Senior international elite
    • Years on national team: 2012-2016, 2018-2021, 2023-present
    • Gym: World Champions Centre (2015-present), Bannon’s Gymnastix Inc. (2003-2014)
    • Coach(es): Laurent Landi, (2015-present) Cecile Canqueteau-Landi (2015-present), Aimee Boorman (2004-14)
    • Choreographer: Sasha Farber
    • Eponymous skills:
      • Biles (6.0) (vault): Yurchenko half on-straight front salto double twist off
      • Biles II (6.4) (vault): Yurchenko double pike
      • Bikes (H) (balance beam): double-twisting double tucked salto dismount
      • Biles (G) (floor exercise): double layout salto half out
      • Biles II (J) (floor exercise): triple-twisting double tucked salto (“triple double”