Simone Biles the Unstoppable Force of Gymnastics
- She defies gravity, breaks records and inspires millions.
Simone Biles, the 26-year-old American and four-time Olympic gold medalist has been crowned the 2023 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.
Biles received the honor for the third time in her career, after winning it in 2016 and 2019. But this time, she did it in the most remarkable way possible: by overcoming her mental health challenges and making a stunning comeback to the sport she loves.
Simone Biles shocked the world when she withdrew from several events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021, citing the need to prioritize her well-being. She revealed that she was suffering from the “twisties”, a dangerous condition that affects a gymnast’s spatial awareness and ability to perform complex skills.
But Biles did not give up. She took a break from the sport and sought professional help. She returned to training and announced her comeback in June 2023. Also proved that she was still the best in the business by winning her eighth U.S. all-around title in August. She then dominated the World Championships in Antwerp in October, where she clinched her sixth world all-around title and three more gold medals in team, floor, and beam. She also added two new skills to her repertoire: a Yurchenko double pike vault and a double layout half-out dismount on bars. Both moves are now named after her in the gymnastics code of points.
With a total of 30 world medals, 23 of which are gold, Biles has cemented her legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history and also shown incredible courage and resilience in the face of adversity. She has used her platform to advocate for change and justice in the sport, as a survivor of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. She has also spoken openly about her mental health struggles and encouraged others to seek help when needed.
Simone Biles is now preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she hopes to add to her four gold and one bronze medals from the Rio 2016 Games. She has said that Paris will be her last Olympics, but she has not ruled out competing beyond 2024.
Whatever she decides, Biles has already secured her place in history as one of the greatest athletes of all time, not just in gymnastics, but in any sport. She is a role model, an inspiration, and a wonder.
She is Simone Biles, and she is the AP Female Athlete of the Year.
