Simone Biles has firmly established herself at the pinnacle of the gymnastics world, reaffirming her status and silencing critics who labeled her a ‘quitter.’ During an electrifying competition in Paris, Biles demonstrated her unmatched skill by claiming an astounding three gold medals along with a silver, decisively putting an end to any lingering debate about her being the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). However, her path to victory was fraught with challenges that tested her resilience.
On the very first day of the competition, the reigning champion faced the daunting reality of competing with injuries that included a torn calf muscle and a hyperextended knee. While many would have viewed this as an insurmountable obstacle and opted to withdraw, Biles’ unwavering determination propelled her back into the arena. At 27 years old, she illuminated the competition with a brilliant display of gymnastics prowess, embodying the essence of a champion. Now, thanks to her monumental successes across various platforms, Biles seems to have achieved everything except perhaps one last dream. Or is there something lingering?
In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Biles opened up about her remarkable journey. When discussing her ambitions, she candidly revealed a singular unfulfilled dream from her youth: the aspiration to compete in college gymnastics. Reflecting on this missed opportunity, Biles shared, “My main goal whenever I started gymnastics and I really, really got into it was to do college gymnastics. And I did everything but that.”
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Beginning her gymnastics career as a junior elite athlete at the age of 14, Biles quickly garnered attention for her extraordinary talent. From a young age, she envisioned herself as a UCLA athlete, striving to lead her college team to NCAA championships. However, while she amassed a plethora of accolades on an international scale, her dream of competing at the collegiate level remained unfulfilled.
via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Artistic Gymnastics – Women’s All-Around Victory Ceremony – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 01, 2024. Gold medallist Simone Biles of United States celebrates on the podium. REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
In August 2014, Biles made a verbal commitment to UCLA and signed her National Letter of Intent that November, aiming to commence her studies following the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nonetheless, the rigorous demands of her training schedule made attending in-person classes impractical. Consequently, Biles faced a pivotal decision: dedicate herself entirely to her gymnastics aspirations by turning professional or pursue her dream and balance the rigors of both college life and elite gymnastics.
Ultimately, she opted for the latter. In a bold move, she announced in July 2015 her decision to forego college gymnastics eligibility to embark on a professional career. Although she couldn’t experience life on UCLA’s campus, Biles successfully completed her education online, studying business administration at the University of the People. And did this decision yield results? Without a doubt!
She exceeded all expectations to become the greatest gymnast ever. Recognized worldwide, Biles often finds herself compared to sports legends such as LeBron James and Serena Williams. While she missed out on collegiate gymnastics, Biles has undeniably made her mark on the sport. Having dedicated so many years to gymnastics, Simone Biles still sees herself as that same girl who once jumped around her living room, dreaming of stardom.
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Just sometimes it takes a little bit more security or stuff.” In this quest for normalcy, Simone Biles has transformed into a living legend, providing inspiration to millions around the world at just 27 years old.
Simone Biles tries to keep the fame-hype ‘normal’
Picture this: encountering Simone Biles in everyday life. The inevitable rush of excited fans and the flash of countless cameras is a phenomenon she now expects. Yet, this level of attention can sometimes be overwhelming for the Olympic champion. According to Biles, despite her fame, she remains deeply connected to her roots and tries to maintain a sense of normalcy. Her favorite way to unwind includes indulging in classic American pizza and engaging in lighthearted banter with her family and teammates.
via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Artistic Gymnastics – Women’s Team Final – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – July 30, 2024. Simone Biles of United States reacts. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Biles describes how surreal it feels when fans recognize her, stating, “It still blows my mind everywhere we go that somebody recognizes me because to me I’m just still Simone, and I try to be as normal as possible, and I truly believe I am. I feel like I have a pretty good level head, so if I wasn’t Simone, I’d do everything that I want to do.”
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In maintaining this grounded perspective, Simone Biles has not only surpassed the boundaries of gymnastics but has also emerged as a beacon of inspiration, cementing her legacy as a legendary figure even at the young age of 27.
**Interview with Simone Biles: The Journey of a Champion**
**Editor:** Simone, thank you for joining us today. Your recent performance in Paris was nothing short of extraordinary. After claiming three gold medals and a silver, how does it feel to silence critics who labeled you a ‘quitter’?
**Simone Biles:** Thank you for having me! It feels amazing to put all those doubts behind me. Competing is always about overcoming challenges, and I was determined to show that I’m still at the top of my game, despite everything I went through.
**Editor:** You faced significant injuries during the competition, including a torn calf muscle and a hyperextended knee. What motivated you to push through and compete?
**Simone Biles:** It was tough, no doubt. But I’ve always believed that resilience is part of being a champion. I wanted to honor my commitment to the sport and to my fans. I knew deep down I could compete and still give my best, and that’s what drove me back into the arena.
**Editor:** You mentioned in a recent interview that you had a dream of competing in college gymnastics, but chose to go professional. Looking back, do you ever wish you could have experienced that collegiate journey?
**Simone Biles:** Absolutely. My goal when I started gymnastics was to compete for UCLA and lead them to championships. It’s something I always wanted, but the demands of the sport made it impossible. I had to choose my path, and while I missed out on that experience, I’m grateful for what I achieved. I still feel that little girl dreaming of success.
**Editor:** What do you think would have been different for you if you had followed through with your college plans?
**Simone Biles:** That’s hard to say. College gymnastics is a unique experience, and I probably would have developed different skills in a team setting. But I also wouldn’t trade my journey for anything. Going professional allowed me to break records and reach the heights I have.
**Editor:** You’ve made such an incredible mark on gymnastics. How do you hope to inspire the next generation of athletes?
**Simone Biles:** I want young athletes to know that it’s okay to have dreams that don’t fit the traditional mold. It’s about finding your path and pursuing what makes you happy. Whether that’s in sport or life, follow your heart and work hard. The journey is what matters, not just the destination.
**Editor:** Thank you, Simone. Your story and your resilience inspire many. We look forward to seeing what comes next in your journey!
**Simone Biles:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
Lead my team to NCAA championships. I still think about that dream sometimes. But I made the decision that was right for my career at the time. I don’t regret it because it led me to incredible experiences and achievements. Still, the idea of being part of a team and the collegiate environment is something I’ll always cherish.
**Editor:** You’ve achieved so much at just 27 years old. How do you keep a sense of normalcy in your life amidst all the fame and expectations?
**Simone Biles:** It can be overwhelming, but I stay grounded by connecting with my family and friends. I love indulging in simple pleasures like pizza night or just having a laugh with my loved ones. I remind myself that I am still “just Simone” and that helps me maintain my perspective even in the spotlight.
**Editor:** It seems like you’ve inspired so many with your journey. What message do you hope to convey to young athletes looking up to you?
**Simone Biles:** I want them to understand that it’s okay to face obstacles and setbacks. Resilience, hard work, and staying true to oneself are key. Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s important to pursue your passions fearlessly, no matter how challenging they may seem.
**Editor:** Thank you, Simone. Your journey and perspective are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next!
**Simone Biles:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and can’t wait for what lies ahead.