Simone Biles by Logan J Freeman

Early Life

ljfreema — 2024-07-29 20:04:41 UTC

Simone Biles was born on March 14th, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio. She was the third of four siblings.

Her mother was unable to care for her and her siblings, so they were put in foster care.

Early Gymnastics Career

ljfreema — 2024-07-30 16:55:31 UTC

Biles first tried gymnastics at age 6 during a day-care field trip. After the instructors suggested she stay with the sport, she enrolled in a training program at Bannon's Gymnastics.

2011 Competitions

ljfreema — 2024-07-30 17:07:45 UTC

At the 2011 American Classic in Houston, on July 1, 2011, at the age of 14, Biles started her professional gymnastics career. She finished third overall, first on the balancing beam and vault, fourth on the floor workout, and ninth on the uneven bars.

Biles participated in the 2011 U.S. Classic in Chicago, Illinois, later that month. There, she finished sixth on the balancing beam and floor exercise and 20th overall.

2012 Competitions

ljfreema — 2024-07-30 17:21:19 UTC

In 2012, Biles participated in the American Classic, which was held in Huntsville, Texas. She tied for second on the floor exercise, took first on the vault and all-around, third on the balancing beam, and fourth on the uneven bars.

Even as a 15 year old, she was role model for kids and adults because of how high of a level she was competing at for such a young woman. She taught America's youth that anything is possible even as a kid.

U.S. Junior National Team, 2012

ljfreema — 2024-07-30 17:32:57 UTC

After her second appearance in the U.S. National Championship held in St. Louis, Missouri, Simone Biles was named to the U.S. Junior National Team by a committee headed by Marta Karolyi, the National Team Coordinator.

2013 - First World's Title

2024-07-31 14:04:21 UTC

At the 2013 Worlds in Antwerp, Belgium, Simone Biles took home her first World all-around championship.

After her poor performance in the 2013 U.S. Classic, doubts continued to exist at the moment regarding Biles' consistency and her capacity to perform well under pressure.

Her victory over teammate Kyla Ross, the 2012 Olympic team gold medallist, and 2010 World all-around champion Aliya Mustafina of Russia put an end to any uncertainties.

2012 - First Major Breakthrough

2024-07-31 14:05:18 UTC

At the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Simone Biles makes a big impression by winning the junior division's all-around title. This is an early sign of her becoming a powerful force in gymnastics.

With this, she officially enters the world scene as a top gymnast. She makes history by being the first female African American gymnastics champion.

2015 - Olympic Qualification

2024-07-31 14:21:00 UTC

Biles helped the United States team win its third consecutive World team title and qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro during the first round of the women's medal competitions at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow.

She clenched the gold title over 2012 USA Olympic All-Around Champion, Gabby Douglas.

2016 - Rio Olympics

2024-07-31 14:26:34 UTC

At the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, Biles excels, taking home four gold medals (team, vault, floor, and all-around), as well as one bronze on beam.

Her accomplishments make her the world's greatest gymnast and make her a legendary figure in the sport.

2024 (Present Day) - Paris Olympics

profxgood — 2024-08-01 02:02:25 UTC

Having withdrawn from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to prioritization of her mental health and suffering "twisties", Simone Biles made a triumphant return in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her performance won her and Team USA the gold, marking her as the oldest and most decorated gymnast in American history.

2017 Off Season

keguzman1 — 2024-08-01 18:32:40 UTC

In August, during the 2017 P&G National Championships, Biles declared that she had returned to the gym to start her conditioning program. In October, after her longtime mentor Aimee Boorman moved to Florida with her family, Biles hired coach Laurent Landi.

2018- The Return

keguzman1 — 2024-08-01 18:42:16 UTC

After winning the all-around title at the 2016 Olympics, Biles took a two-year break before returning to the sport in 2018. She started working on a double flip and triple twist that became known as the triple-double.

Simone became known as the pioneer of this very difficult move

2019

keguzman1 — 2024-08-01 18:53:11 UTC

In 2019, Biles broke the record for the most gymnastics medals won at the World Championship. She surpassed Vitaly Scherbo's 23 World medals with her 24 and 25 medals.

2020

keguzman1 — 2024-08-01 19:06:24 UTC

In 2020 the Tokyo Olympics were postponed to 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Biles withdrew from multiple events. She had taken time during the pandemic to focus on her mental health.

Biles spoke up on a number of topics using her platform, such as social justice, mental health, and athlete safety. She developed into an even more ardent supporter of reform in gymnastics and other sports.

A Champion in Gymnastics and Mental Health

profxgood — 2024-08-01 22:01:26 UTC

Alongside her being an inspiration and icon to young female African American athletes, Simone Biles has brought to light the issues of mental health and its importance in sports. One of the first world-renowned athletes and gymnasts to prioritize her mental health over her physical performance and make it known to the world, Biles let it be known to all that "it's okay to not be okay". Even her withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics could've been considered a win in itself; granting courage to those struggling with their own mental health.