Simone Biles is not just a gymnast; she is a phenomenon. Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, she has risen from humble beginnings to become the most decorated gymnast in history. Her incredible journey, marked by breathtaking performances, public struggles, and unwavering advocacy, has made her a global icon. This article explores her career highlights, personal challenges, and the legacy she continues to build.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Simone Arianne Biles was born to Shanon Biles, but due to her mother's struggles with substance abuse, Simone and her younger sister Adria were placed in foster care. At age six, they were adopted by their maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife Nellie, who became her parents. Simone discovered gymnastics during a daycare field trip at age six, and her talent was immediately apparent. By age eight, she was training with coach Aimee Boorman.
Biles quickly rose through the junior ranks, and at 16, she made her senior international debut at the 2013 World Championships, winning two gold medals, including the all-around title. Her explosive power, precision, and innovative skills set her apart. She introduced elements that no other female gymnast had attempted, such as the Biles on floor exercise (a double layout with a half twist) and the Biles on vault (a Yurchenko with two twists).
Dominance at the World Championships
Between 2013 and 2019, Biles amassed an astounding 25 World Championship medals, 19 of which are gold. She won the all-around title at every World Championships she entered from 2013 to 2019, a feat unmatched in women's gymnastics. Her medal count includes five all-around titles, five floor exercise titles, four vault titles, two balance beam titles, and three team golds. At the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, she became the first woman to land a triple-double (two flips with three twists) on floor exercise, and the first to perform a triple-twisting double back off the balance beam.
Her 21st world title in 2023, won at the Antwerp World Championships, broke her own record for most world titles by a gymnast. That meet marked her return to competition after a two-year hiatus following the Tokyo Olympics.
Olympic Glory and Challenges
Biles made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, where she won four gold medals (team, all-around, vault, floor exercise) and a bronze on balance beam. Her performances were so dominant that she was hailed as the greatest gymnast of all time. The Rio Games cemented her status as a superstar, and she became a household name.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, presented an unprecedented challenge. During the team final, Biles unexpectedly withdrew after struggling with a mental block known as the "twisties"—a phenomenon where gymnasts lose spatial awareness in the air. She cited the need to focus on her mental health, sparking a global conversation about athlete well-being. Biles returned to compete in the balance beam final, earning a bronze medal. Her bravery in stepping back and speaking openly about mental health was widely praised.
Biles returned to the Olympics at the 2024 Paris Games, aiming to reclaim her crown. She led the U.S. team to gold in the team final, then won gold in the all-around and vault, becoming the oldest woman to win an Olympic all-around title since 1952. She also earned a silver on floor exercise and finished fifth on balance beam. Her performance at Bercy Arena was electric, drawing crowds of celebrities and fans. She performed a new vault, the Biles II, a Yurchenko half-on with two twists, cementing her legacy.
Personal Life and Advocacy
In 2018, Biles revealed that she was one of hundreds of survivors of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. She testified before the U.S. Senate in 2021, condemning the FBI's failure to stop Nassar. Her advocacy has made her a leading voice for survivors of sexual assault.
In 2023, Biles married Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. The couple's relationship has been public, with Owens frequently supporting her at competitions. In November 2025, Biles revealed she had undergone breast augmentation surgery, sharing a post with the caption "First flip with a new chest."
Biles has also been open about her therapy and mental health journey. She has spoken about the importance of therapy, saying, "Therapy pays off." She has criticized the high prices at Parisian clubs, denounced Donald Trump for his comments on race, and even made light of her chaotic life in Paris, comparing it to "Emily in Paris."
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Simone Biles has transcended her sport. She has been the subject of a Netflix documentary, "Simone Biles: Rising Again," and has been honored with a Barbie doll in her likeness. Her influence extends into fashion, with her signature leotards featuring thousands of crystals. She has been named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People multiple times.
In 2025, Biles, along with French swimmer Léon Marchand and para cyclist Alexandre Léauté, were announced as new entries in the Petit Larousse dictionary, a testament to their impact on French society. Biles has also mentored younger athletes, such as French gymnast Mélanie de Jesus dos Santos, who moved to the U.S. to train with her ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
Biles's legacy is not just about medals; it's about redefining what it means to be an athlete. She has shown that strength includes vulnerability, that prioritizing mental health is not weakness, and that speaking out against injustice is part of a champion's role. Her story continues to inspire millions around the world.
Recent Events and News
In 2026, Biles's husband Jonathan Owens escaped a robbery attempt in Milan thanks to a TikTok technique he had learned. The incident was widely reported. Biles herself continues to be a dominant figure in gymnastics, though she has not confirmed participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Nonetheless, her influence on the sport is indelible.
Biles has also been involved in controversies, such as being criticized for wearing a rival team's jacket while supporting her husband's team. She has been praised for her sportsmanship, as when she knelt to honor Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade after Andrade won the all-around gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics—a moment that went viral. Biles said, "It's a queen recognizing a queen."
Her dietary preferences have also made headlines; she made waves by stating she preferred supermarket pains au chocolat over those from bakeries, much to the chagrin of French food purists. She also criticized the quality of food in the Olympic Village, saying, "French cuisine is supposed to be good."
Biles's story is not complete without acknowledging her role in the Larry Nassar scandal. She has been relentless in her advocacy, pushing for systemic reforms in USA Gymnastics and the Olympic movement. Her testimony before Congress was both poignant and powerful, holding authorities accountable for their failures.
As of mid-2026, Biles remains an active competitor and a beloved figure worldwide. Her autobiography, "Courage to Soar," and numerous documentaries have allowed fans to see her journey up close. She continues to train, compete, and inspire, proving that true greatness is measured not only by medals but by the lives one touches.
Source: leparisien.fr News