I’m the first Simone Biles," perElle.
She’s absolutely right.
Biles is in a class all her own.
In 2016, Biles competed in her very first Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
But it hasn’t all been gold medals and GOAT appellations.
She’s had good moments.
She’s had bad moments.
She’s been a world-class athlete and a regular human being through it all.
Here’s how Simone Biles' has changed since the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
But Simone Biles is not like most people.
I reached for my backpack and pulled out the medal, just to be sure.
“I just wanted to learn more about myself through this competition.
If I won, it’s cool.
Biles even had some takeaways for her life moving forward.
I’m more confident in the gym because I’m in my element.
I’m trying to find that same confidence outside,” Biles said.
She started competing again in 2018
Simone Biles has been through a lot.
“I was very depressed.
It was a really dark time,” Biles toldVogueof her tough year.
If there’s anything Biles has proven to be, it’s resilient.
Simone Biles discovered another injury
Injury, unfortunately, is an occupational hazard for a professional athlete.
In 2018, the gold medalist learned that she had been unwittingly competing while injured.
“I’ve been quite fortunate with injuries but there’s been some stuff.
Biles also had a kidney stone that year, which she was dealing with while competing.
But she’s a professional athlete who’s used to pushing through outside forces to reach her goals.
“I joke to my friends a lot that I am going to be in a wheelchair at 30 …
Pain is just something I live with and that is pretty odd for my age, right?
It feels weird if I’m not in pain,” Biles said.
(When scoring gymnastics, both difficulty and execution are factored.)
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games were pushed to 2021, but Biles was still prepared.
If “the twisties” persist, they can pose major risks to an athlete’s safety.
Despite safety risks, Biles received major backlash for her decision, and it caused the gymnast distress.
She added, “I thought I was going to be banned from America.
Because that’s what they tell you, ‘Don’t come back if it’s not gold.
Gold or bust don’t come back.'”
“I know some girls had it worse than me.
I know that for a fact.
Some of my friends had it really, really bad.
They were his favorite.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available.
Since the tour, Biles has continued talking about mental health and encouraging others to do the same.
As she returned to competition, she shared on her Instagram stories how she stayed mentally healthy.
“Lots of therapy, I go once a week for almost 2 hrs.
Thebride wore a Galia Lahav gownand exchanged vows on the beach.
“I’ve never been so nervous before in my life.
[But,] I felt confident walking down the aisle.
Seeing Jonathan at the altar was a dream.
Our guests were cheering for everyone.
I was shocked by the love in the air.
The ceremony was so beautiful and dreamy!”
Despite all that, Biles and Owens happily celebrated their first anniversary in 2024.
“This is your sign to marry your best friend …
I wish I could marry you a million times more!
I love you so much!”
So I think it’ll be different, but it’ll be good.”
2023 proved to be another great year for Biles’ gymnastics career.
“I never thought I’d be at this phase still doing it, and I feel very grateful.
I get to write my own ending,” Biles said in the documentary’strailer.
Biles received lots of support for her documentary ahead of its release.
Biles' husband, Jonathan Owens, shared his anticipation, too.
I’m so happy for you baby,” Owens wrote onX.
