Breaking Barriers: Simone Biles, Most Decorated Gymnast of All Time....
This week we are celebrating Simone Biles, an absolute powerhouse in the world of gymnastics and a great role model to many...
Happy new week,
Today we celebrate Simone Biles, an absolute powerhouse in the world of gymnastics, and her list of achievements is nothing short of extraordinary. Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone has redefined the sport at such a young age with her unparalleled skill, athleticism, and grace.
Biles burst onto the international gymnastics scene in 2013, and since then, she has been a force to be reckoned with. Her signature moves and unmatched difficulty levels have set her apart from her peers. One of her most notable achievements is her incredible medal haul, boasting an impressive 34 medals across various competitions. She has now broken the previous record, which was held by 1990s gymnast Vitaly Scherbo, who represented the Soviet Union, Russia and Belarus during that period.
The majority of Simone's medals come from the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where she has consistently dominated the competition. Her ability to perform gravity-defying routines with flawless precision has earned her multiple gold medals and cemented her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Simone further solidified her legacy by clinching four gold medals in the team, all-around, vault, and floor exercise events. Her performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring, and she became a global sensation, capturing the hearts of fans around the world.
Simone's journey hasn't been without its challenges. In 2021, she faced the immense pressure of the Tokyo Olympics and chose to prioritise her mental health, a decision that sparked important conversations about the well-being of athletes. Simone broke down and withdrew from four of the five finals. She explained that she was fighting against the "twisties", a temporary mental block whereby gymnasts lose their sense of where they are in the air, with the risk of injury when they land. The origins of the twisties can be traced back to stress, high expectations, or fear of failure. Despite withdrawing from some events, Simone still managed to contribute to the team's success and added more medals to her already impressive collection.
Post the Tokyo Olympics, Biles made a triumphant return to form, practicing and overcoming her struggle with the twisties. Her resilience and determination are a testament to the relentless spirit of athletes. Her courage to openly discuss her mental health struggles has shed light on a crucial aspect of sports often overlooked: the psychological well-being of athletes. Biles’ story serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical fitness in the world of elite sports.
Beyond the medals, Simone Biles has become a role model for aspiring athletes. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her ability to overcome adversity, has left an indelible mark on the world of gymnastics. She is a huge inspiration to many especially young girls that look like her. Simone recently stood up and criticised Gymnastics Ireland, after a video showing a line of children being awarded medals, but the one black girl pictured did not receive one. Simone sent a video to the young girl as well as wrote on social media “There is no room for racism in any sport or at all.”
With 34 medals and counting, Simone Biles continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in gymnastics. Her legacy extends far beyond the podium, inspiring future generations to dream big, work hard, and always strive for excellence.
Something interesting to watch
Thank you everyone that has supported me over the last three years by engaging with my newsletter. To sustain and enhance my work, i’m inviting you to be a valued part of my journey through a financial contribution. Your support will directly contribute to the continued success and growth of this newsletter. I’m excited to offer exclusive perks and benefits as a token of my appreciation.