You might know Simone Biles as the powerhouse gymnast who’s always flipping her way into the history books, but there’s a lot more to this Olympic champion than just her medal count. Let’s dive into a few lesser-known facts about Simone Biles.
She Has a Move Named After Her
Simone Biles has not just one, but multiple skills named after her across different apparatuses. In the floor exercise, the “Biles” consists of a double layout half out, a move known for its extreme difficulty. On the balance beam, the “Biles” is a double-double dismount, another testament to her daring and technical proficiency.
She Once Took a Hiatus to Focus on Her Mental Health
Simone Biles has been open about her struggles with mental health, particularly around the time of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Amidst the competition, Biles made the brave decision to withdraw from several events to prioritize her mental well-being, highlighting the immense pressure that top athletes face.
She Was Adopted by Her Grandparents
Simone Biles’ early life had its challenges. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, but due to her biological mother’s struggle with substance abuse, she and her younger sister were placed in foster care. When Biles was six, they were adopted by their grandparents, who raised them in Spring, Texas.