Simone Biles is building a brand that is synonymous with history. Since debuting at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she has grown to become one of the most iconic and dominant athletes in the world of gymnastics.
She has since gone ahead to make a name for herself and won several accolades along the way, making her a role model for aspiring gymnasts. With her incredible talent, hard work, and unwavering determination, she has shattered records, defied expectations, and inspired millions around the globe. At the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Biles cemented her legacy as the most decorated athlete of all time.
In 2019, Biles made history by winning her 24th and 25th medals at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, surpassing the previous record set by Belarusian gymnast Vitaly Scherbo. Biles won an incredible 19 gold medals, three silver medals, and three bronze medals at the championships, earning her a place in the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame.
Biles’ talent and achievements have brought much-needed attention to the sport of gymnastics and have inspired a new generation of young athletes. Her signature moves, such as the triple-double on the floor exercise and the double-double dismount on the balance beam, have set a new standard for excellence and innovation in the sport.
In August this year, she won a record eighth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, breaking a 90-year record. Biles is in the news again for setting another record. The 26-year-old won her 27th world championship medal when she earned the gold for the individual all-around title at the world championships in Antwerp, Belgium with a score of 58.399 in the women’s all-around, according to ABC News.
ABC News reported that the win was her sixth all-around title. The title also makes her tied for the most in history — man or woman. She is reportedly tied with Vitaly Scherbo who was on the ticket of the Soviet Union, Belarus, and the Unified team, ABC News said Friday, adding that Biles holds 34 World and Olympic medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. On Sunday, Biles wrapped up the 2023 Gymnastics World Championships by winning two more gold medals, for balance beam and floor exercise. She also won a silver medal for vault. Following Sunday’s win, Biles now holds the record for the most combined world championship and Olympic medals, USA Gymnastics said in a tweet. She currently has a total of 37 medals.
At age 26, she is also the oldest athlete to win a gold medal at a Gymnastics World Championships besides being part of the U.S. team’s record seventh-straight team title. She also recently became the first woman to land a Yurchenko double pike vault during an international competition.
However, her journey has not been without challenges. She has spoken candidly about the mental health struggles and the pressure she has faced as a high-profile athlete. In 2018, she revealed that she had been a victim of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, and has since become a vocal advocate for victims’ rights and safety in sports.
Despite these obstacles, Biles continues to be a shining example of strength, resilience, and grace. She has been a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in the sport of gymnastics and has inspired countless young girls and women to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds.
