Simone Biles is an American treasure.
The gymnastics legend boasts 11 Olympic medals — seven gold, two silver, two bronze — across three Summer Games. She also has registered a remarkable 30 medals — 23 gold, four silver, three bronze — in world championships competition.
The 4-foot-8 sparkplug inspires by example and with her words, offering positive affirmations for her legion of fans across the United States. Indeed, we tap the Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree to inspire us on this day.
First-Time Olympian in 2016
Biles tweeted a bold message on May 11, 2016, just three months before her Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro. She was 19 years old and headed into her career prime.
Why It Matters
Biles would go on to capture four gold medals (all-around, floor exercise, team, vault) and a bronze in Rio, elevating her profile permanently in Olympics and gymnastics circles. She added a silver (team) and bronze (balance beam) in Tokyo. Finally, she won three golds (all-around, team, vault) and a silver (floor exercise) in Paris.
Biles teaches us that confidence and calculated risk-taking are good things. The alternative is to sit on the sideline.
