Simone Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio. Her mother, Shannon, struggled with severe drug and alcohol addiction, rendering her unable to care for her four children. Consequently, Simone and her siblings spent three years in foster care. Eventually, Simone and her younger sister Adria were adopted by their grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, and moved to Spring, Texas.

In Spring, Texas, Simone Biles found her true passion during a daycare trip to Bannon’s Gymnastix in Houston. From the moment she saw the gymnasts, she was captivated and began mimicking their flips and twists. Recognizing her potential, the coaches invited her to join formal classes. From then on, Simone embarked on a rigorous training journey, fueled by her dream of becoming a top gymnast.

Simone Biles’ hard work and relentless dedication quickly paid off. She achieved numerous impressive victories at national and international competitions. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Simone made a global impact by winning four gold medals and one bronze, setting the record for the most gold medals by an American gymnast in a single Olympics.

However, not everything was smooth sailing for Simone Biles. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she encountered severe psychological challenges, including the “twisties,” which caused her to lose spatial awareness during complex moves. This forced her to withdraw from several events to focus on her mental health. During this period, she also endured the heartbreaking loss of her beloved aunt.

After Tokyo, Simone Biles took two years to focus on her mental health before returning to competition in 2023. She won at the US National Championships and secured gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing her resilience and extraordinary talent. With a total of 106 medals, including nine Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, Simone Biles continues to solidify her status as one of the greatest gymnasts in history.

Simone Biles is not only an exceptional gymnast but also a symbol of resilience and determination. Her journey of overcoming personal hardships and conquering the highest peaks in her career has inspired millions worldwide. Simone Biles has demonstrated that no matter the challenges faced, perseverance and determination will always help us achieve our greatest dream.