Top 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Simone Biles That Prove She's the GOAT of Gymnastics
Sports
Simone Biles isn't just a gymnast—she's a force of nature who has redefined what's possible in the sport. From her jaw-dropping skills to her incredible resilience, here are the most amazing facts about the greatest gymnast of all time.
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1. She Has More Gymnastics Skills Named After Her Than Any Active Athlete
Simone Biles has five gymnastics skills officially named after her, including the incredibly difficult 'Biles' on floor exercise and vault. When you're so good at your sport that multiple moves bear your name, you know you've reached legendary status.
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2. Her Medal Count is Absolutely Ridiculous
With 32 Olympic and World Championship medals (25 of them gold), Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history. To put this in perspective, she has more World Championship golds than any gymnast, male or female, ever.
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3. She Defies Physics with Her Incredible Power
Biles generates so much power in her tumbling that she can reach heights of over 10 feet in the air during her floor routines. Her signature move, the Yurchenko double pike vault, was considered too dangerous for women's competition until she mastered it.
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4. She Revolutionized Mental Health Conversations in Sports
When Biles withdrew from several events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health, she sparked a global conversation about athlete wellbeing. Her courage to speak openly about the 'twisties' and mental health challenges changed sports culture forever.
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5. Her Dominance Spans Over a Decade
From 2013 to 2023, Biles has remained virtually unbeatable in all-around competition, winning every major all-around title she's competed for. This level of sustained excellence is unprecedented in modern gymnastics.
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6. She Started Gymnastics 'Late' by Elite Standards
Biles didn't begin serious gymnastics training until age 8, which is considered late in the elite gymnastics world. Most Olympic-level gymnasts start intensive training by age 4 or 5, making her natural talent even more remarkable.
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7. Her Floor Routine Music Choices Became Iconic
Biles' floor routines to songs like 'Beethoven's Symphony No. 9' and Latin-inspired tracks have become legendary in gymnastics circles. Her ability to combine incredible athleticism with artistic expression has elevated floor exercise as an event.
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8. She's Overcome Incredible Personal Challenges
Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has shown remarkable strength in speaking out as a survivor of abuse and advocating for athlete safety. Her resilience in overcoming personal trauma while maintaining elite performance is truly inspiring.
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9. Her Height is Actually an Advantage She's Maximized
At 4'8", Biles is shorter than many gymnasts, but she's turned this into a massive advantage. Her lower center of gravity allows for incredible rotation speed and control that taller athletes simply cannot achieve.
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10. She Returned to Competition at Age 26 and Still Dominated
After a two-year break, Biles returned to competition in 2023 at age 26—ancient by gymnastics standards—and immediately won the U.S. Championships. Her longevity in a sport that typically peaks in the teens is absolutely extraordinary.
Simone Biles has transcended gymnastics to become a global icon of excellence, resilience, and authenticity. Her impact extends far beyond medals and records—she's changed how we think about mental health, athlete advocacy, and what's possible in human athletic achievement. Simply put, there will never be another Simone Biles.