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Simone Biles has redefined the world of gymnastics, with unparalleled skill, strength, and a string of record-breaking achievements. As one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time, her impact goes far beyond the sport itself. From her incredible Olympic performances to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gymnastics, Simone has inspired millions around the globe. But her story is filled with surprising and mind-blowing facts that make her even more remarkable. In this blog, we dive into 20 mind blowing facts about Simone Biles, showcasing the incredible athlete behind the headlines and exploring the depth of her legacy.1
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Simone Biles Owens is an American artistic gymnast, holding 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history and one of the greatest Olympians ever. 1
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Simone Biles earned four gold medals and one bronze, becoming the most decorated American gymnast at a single Olympic Games, further establishing her as a global gymnastics icon. 2
Biles is the first gymnast in history to land the "Biles" move, a double backflip with a half twist on the floor, and she has multiple signature moves named after her across various apparatuses. 3
Simone Biles is known for her incredible strength and flexibility. Her ability to execute complex routines with seemingly effortless precision is a product of years of grueling training and her natural athletic ability. 4
Biles overcame a difficult childhood, including being placed in foster care, but her resilience and determination led her to become the greatest gymnast of her generation, inspiring countless others with her story.
In 2019, Simone became the first woman to land a Yurchenko double pike vault in competition, an extremely difficult and dangerous skill, further proving her status as a pioneer in the sport. 5
Despite facing criticism in the media, Biles consistently prioritizes her mental health over performance pressure, famously withdrawing from events during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to focus on her well-being, a bold move for athletes. 6
Simone Biles has won the most national titles in U.S. Gymnastics history, with a total of seven national all-around championships, a testament to her consistency and ability to perform under pressure year after year. 7
At just 14 years old, Biles made her debut at the World Championships in 2013, where she won her first gold medal, signaling the arrival of a future gymnastics legend with extraordinary potential. 8
Biles is the first gymnast in history to have won four gold medals at a single World Championship (2019), further cementing her legacy as a dominant force in the sport with unmatched consistency.
Simone’s journey to becoming an Olympic gymnast started with her love for cheerleading. Her incredible tumbling skills in cheerleading caught the attention of a gymnastics coach, who then helped transition her into gymnastics. 9
Simone Biles is one of the few athletes who has a physical move named after her. The "Biles" vault and the "Biles" floor routine are considered some of the most difficult and innovative in gymnastics history. 10
Biles’ influence extends far beyond gymnastics. She is a prominent advocate for sexual abuse survivors, having spoken out against Larry Nassar, the disgraced former team doctor, using her platform to push for change within gymnastics. 11
Simone’s signature style is known for its combination of power and grace. She has been praised for her ability to perform difficult, high-flying routines while maintaining an aesthetic elegance rarely seen in elite gymnastics. 12
Biles made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Games, where she dominated the gymnastics competition, earning a spot in history as one of the most decorated Olympic gymnasts of all time, at just 19 years old.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles became the first gymnast ever to withdraw from an Olympic competition for mental health reasons, a decision that sparked widespread conversation about athlete well-being and pressure in elite sports. 13
Simone Biles has been awarded the prestigious Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year multiple times, cementing her place as not just a gymnastics icon but also a globally recognized athlete in all sports. 14
Simone’s exceptional power and agility allow her to perform difficult skills that other gymnasts, even those with years of experience, cannot replicate, setting a new standard for gymnastics routines across the world. 15
In 2018, Biles became the first woman to win a major international competition after returning from a year-long break. She displayed remarkable resilience, proving her ability to come back stronger after time away from the sport. 16
Simone Biles is an ambassador for change in sports and society. She has used her fame to bring attention to important issues, from mental health to sexual abuse, making her not just an athlete but a global voice for justice. 17
