Born: 1997 (Columbus, Ohio)
Biography:
Simone Biles Owens (born Simone Arianne Biles; March 14, 1997) is an American artistic gymnast. She is considered by many sources to be the greatest gymnast of all time, with her unparalleled achievements and groundbreaking skills. Biles has redefined the sport of gymnastics and has left an indelible mark on women’s history.
Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, the third of four siblings. Her birth mother, Shanon Biles, was unable to care for her and her siblings due to struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. As a result, Biles and her younger sister, Adria, were placed into foster care. They were eventually adopted by their grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, who became their legal guardians.
From a young age, Biles displayed a natural talent for gymnastics. She began her training at Bannon’s Gymnastix, where her extraordinary abilities quickly became evident. Biles soon caught the attention of renowned coach Aimee Boorman, who recognized her potential and became her coach and mentor.
Biles made her breakthrough on the international stage in 2013 when she competed in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. There, she captured the attention of the gymnastics world with her dominance and superior skills. She won her first all-around title, becoming the first African-American woman to win the prestigious title.
Over the years, Biles continued to showcase her exceptional talent and achieved numerous milestones. She is a seven-time United States national all-around champion and a five-time World all-around champion. Biles holds the distinction of being the first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every event, accomplishing this feat at the 2018 World Championships in Doha.
Biles’ most significant achievements came at the Olympic Games. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she won five medals, including four gold and one bronze. Biles’ performance on the floor exercise, vault, and all-around events was nothing short of remarkable. She solidified her status as the greatest gymnast of her generation and became a household name worldwide.
In 2021, Biles faced a significant challenge at the Tokyo Olympics. Struggling with the twisties, a temporary loss of air awareness and balance, she made the courageous decision to withdraw from most of the competition. Biles prioritized her safety and mental health, shining a spotlight on the importance of athletes’ well-being.
Beyond her exceptional achievements in gymnastics, Biles has become a powerful advocate for mental health and a source of inspiration for countless individuals. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the pressures faced by athletes and promote the importance of prioritizing mental well-being.
Biles’ impact extends beyond the world of gymnastics. She has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and determination for women and girls around the globe. Her success has shattered stereotypes and barriers, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Awards:
– Seven Olympic medals
– 25 World Championship medals
– Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022)