Simone Biles: A Journey of Triumph, Trauma, and Resilience

Simone Biles is widely recognized as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. With over 30 medals, including multiple Olympic golds, her athletic achievements have made her a global icon.

Yet, beyond her extraordinary success in gymnastics, Biles’ life story is marked by personal challenges, emotional struggles, and a resilience that continues to inspire millions.

From a young age, Biles has faced pressures that go beyond the intense demands of competitive gymnastics. In a recent candid TikTok video, she revealed the mental and physical toll her career has taken.

“I am really tired,” she shared, expressing the exhaustion she’s been grappling with as she nears her 27th year. This moment of vulnerability came just after a fall during the 2024 Paris Olympics, which cost her a shot at another gold medal.

Biles acknowledged that the mistake wasn’t only the result of physical fatigue, but also the distracting environment and overwhelming atmosphere at the competition.

Biles’ struggles have been far from limited to her gymnastics career. In 2018, she publicly spoke about the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor, in a powerful Senate testimony.

Along with fellow survivors, Biles shared the trauma she endured, calling out the failure of USA Gymnastics, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and the FBI in protecting young athletes from Nassar’s abuse.

Her emotional testimony and those of her peers highlighted the urgent need for accountability and reform.

Biles’ resilience is also rooted in her difficult childhood. She and her siblings faced food insecurity and were eventually placed in foster care due to the struggles of their biological mother, who battled addiction.

Biles reflected on how those early hardships shaped her determination to succeed. She and her sister were later adopted by their grandparents, which provided the stability she needed to thrive. In her words, the day she was adopted “began the road to success.”

Beyond her athletic achievements and personal hardships, Biles has also been open about her struggles with ADHD. After her diagnosis was made public in 2016, she faced scrutiny when hackers leaked her medical records, questioning her use of ADHD medication.

However, Biles firmly stood her ground, asserting that there was no shame in taking medication for ADHD and that she has always adhered to the rules of her sport.

Throughout her career, Biles has also battled multiple injuries, ranging from broken toes to a bone spur that required surgery.

She once admitted that pain is a constant in her life, but she continues to push through it. Even in the face of physical and mental strain, Biles’ ability to perform at the highest level remains unparalleled.

Biles’ decision to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the twisties—a dangerous condition where gymnasts lose spatial awareness midair—was met with both controversy and support.

Her choice to prioritize her mental and physical well-being over competition was a powerful statement about the importance of self-care, even for elite athletes.

As Biles contemplates retirement, she reflects not only on her achievements but on the deeper meaning of her journey.

Her story is one of overcoming adversity, advocating for justice, and using her platform to bring about change.

Whether or not she continues in gymnastics, her legacy is already cemented, not just as a world-class athlete, but as a fierce advocate for survivors of abuse and a powerful voice in the fight for accountability and healing.

Her impact extends far beyond her remarkable gymnastics career. Simone Biles has proven that greatness is not just about winning medals, but about resilience, empowerment, and standing up for what is right.