Simone Biles: USA Gymnastics’ Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

This past week the World Gymnastics Championships took place in Stuttgart, Germany and per usual at world sporting events the USA was there and expected to do well. Simone Biles’ performances stole all of the headlines as her dominant record-breaking performance led the USA to a team victory. 

After a crucial mistake in the balance beam final at the 2016 Rio Olympics Biles walked away with bronze instead of an expected gold, as well as fresh confidence issues. After taking a year of sabbatical following the last Olympics, Biles returned and added a double-twisting, double-somersault dismount on beam and a triple-twisting double somersault in her floor routine. As Biles was the first to successfully land them in competition both skills have been named after her in the gymnastics’ official code of points. “That’s why we put her up last,” said Tom Forster, high performance coordinator for the U.S. women’s team. “In those moments, you have to sink the free throw, or your team loses, and she always makes it.”

Where some would have faltered, Biles returned and went on to take home five gold medals (including the balance beam) at this year’s world championships becoming the most decorated gymnast, male or female, of all time in the process.  “It’s not out of cockiness,” she told USA Today. “I’ve won five world titles and if I say, ‘I’m the best gymnast there is,’ (the reaction is) ‘Oh, she’s cocky. Look at her now.’ No, the facts are literally on the paper.”

*Mic Drop*

The last two years have been turbulent for USA gymnastics in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal. Biles, a survivor, used her platform and voice to expose the organizations administration for negligent practices leading to abuse. 

We all should take the time to appreciate Biles’ mental toughness not just to come forward, but also continue to be a member of the team and as a leader and mentor for new athletes and survivors around the world.   

It’s clear that Biles has solidified herself among the Tiger Woods, Tom Bradys, and Floyd Mayweathers of the world, an undisputed G.O.A.T., and at the age of 22 she is a shining example of black excellence.