Connect with us

CELEBRITIES

16-Year-Old Simone Biles ‘Didn’t Think She Was Good Enough’, Now She’s Oldest American Gymnast to Enter Olympics After 72 Years

Published

on

 

And still I rise,” – the words by Maya Angelou inspired Simone Biles so much that she tattooed them on her collarbone back in 2021. Living by the principles of Angelou’s poetry, Biles left behind the turmoil of the Tokyo Olympics and returned stronger than ever. After she made a comeback, she made sure to qualify for her 3rd Olympic run. With this, she became the oldest female U.S. gymnast to enter the Olympics in 72 years. Simone Biles showed the world that she has the ‘courage to soar.’ But, back in 2013, then 16-year-old Simone never imagined that 11 years down the line, people would know her as one of the greatest gymnasts.

 

 

However, for Biles, it was her first encounter with critics that shattered her confidence in 2013. She was just 16 when the gymnast participated in her first U.S. Classic and represented Bannon’s Gymnastix Club. But she fell several times from the apparatus, and couldn’t attempt her vault routine as she twisted her ankle. She concluded the event with the All-Around score of 41.300, and the highest All-Around score of the meet was earned by Kyla Ross (58.650).

Post that, someone commented on her physique and said, “you’re just too overweight. That’s why that happened like you’re fat.” Biles was heartbroken as her first US Classic didn’t go as she planned. And for a 16-year-old Simone, dealing with critics made her doubt her self-esteem. Following this, her father, Ronald Biles, got in touch with sport psychologist Robert Andrews, who helped her deal with nervousness and anxiety.

 

Defining Simone’s mindset during the 2013 US Classic, her mom, Nellie Biles, told Glamour, “She was competing against these girls who were her heroes, her idols. And it was hard for her to adjust to that. Simone didn’t think she was good enough to compete with them.” She further added, “I knew she was quite capable. But she needed to believe it.”

However, with the help of therapy, the 16-year-old Simone learned how to shut the clamors and she rose to the occasion. The gymnast conceded, “I’d rather regret the risk that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” With this, she began winning everything in sight. The 4 feet 8 inch dynamo first added 10 World Championships gold medals on her wall of fame, and then she made it to the ‘Final Five’ team of the 2016 Rio Olympics. The spectators at the Arena Olímpica do Rio cheered out loud when the gymnast won 3 individual golds and 1 team gold.

Courage to Soar: Body in Motion, Life in Balance”- was her next destination. An autobiographical account, where she penned every nook and cranny of how her childhood shaped her journey to become the best version of herself. Then, the girl, who once was struggling with self-esteem at 16, became a woman with a 2nd Olympic qualification at the age of 24.

The second time when Biles encountered an episode with critics was in 2021. After a failed Amanar vault, she withdrew from All-Around finals at the Tokyo Olympics. As she walked out of the Ariake Gymnastics Center in the wake of ‘twisties’, spectators called her “quitter.” Many were even speculating that Simone would retire after the Tokyo Games

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NFL6 hours ago

Taylor Swift unveils a breathtaking video tour of the romantic bedroom she shares with “future husband” Travis Kelce — and fans can’t get enough! The stunning reveal has social media in a frenzy, racking up billions of views. Don’t miss the must-see video below! 𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮👇

NFL15 hours ago

Fans Gush Over Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s Picture-Perfect Wedding Sighting — But All Eyes Were on Her Hair! 🔥 because…. Details 👇

ROYAL FAMILY16 hours ago

Sweet Revenge: Camilla Defiantly Reveals Kate Middleton’s “Cancer Secret” Ahead of the Queen’s Coronation — “It’s time I expose this dark truth…” See more below 👇👇👇

NFL23 hours ago

Shocking: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are at the 2025 Kentucky Derby! The couple’s photos here are making the whole world go crazy. These sweet photos also reveal an even more shocking new news about this secretive couple. 𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮👇

ROYAL FAMILY1 day ago

After 2 Years of Gathering Evidence, Princess Anne Releases Paternity Test Results of Harry and Archie: “The Long-Standing Rumor Is True, and the Results Are…” See more below 👇👇👇

NFL1 day ago

Taylor Swift Declares She’ll Never Return to Kansas: The pop superstar reportedly lashed out following a shocking revelation that has rocked her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. Sources close to the singer suggest that something Travis did pushed her beyond her breaking point—and once you discover the 𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮👇

ROYAL FAMILY1 day ago

“Stay Strong, Harry!” – William Reveals Hair DNA Test Results Confirming 4-Year-Old Rumor: “We’ve Discovered Archie’s Biological Father…” See more below 👇👇👇

NEWS1 day ago

LATEST NEWS: After suffering a defeat, head coach Paul Maurice blamed the loss on Edmonton Oilers fans, claiming their excessive booing prevented the Florida Panthers players from performing at their best. Maurice is reportedly planning to file a petition with the NHL to ban Edmonton fans from attending any future games — a move that has forced Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch to speak out. Full story 👇

ROYAL FAMILY2 days ago

Meghan Lied! Heartbroken Princess Kate Middleton Reveals Shocking DNA Hair Test Results on Lilibet’s 4th Birthday: “I’m Sorry Lilibet, Your Real Father Is…” See more below 👇👇👇

NEWS2 days ago

Trump-Musk feud escalates: What happened? And what comes next?

NFL3 days ago

GOOD NEWS: 😮😲Travis Kelce Confirms Taylor Swift is Expecting Their First Child—And Reveals the Baby’s Name! In an announcement that has taken both the sports and entertainment worlds by storm, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has confirmed that his partner, global pop sensation Taylor Swift, is four months pregnant with their first child. The happy news was revealed during an exclusive interview, where Kelce couldn’t hold back his excitement. 𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮👇

ROYAL FAMILY4 days ago

Congratulations to Kate and William! DNA test results from Lilibet’s hair send shockwaves through the United Kingdom: “It turns out Lilibet’s real parents are…” See more below 👇👇👇

Copyright © 2024 UKtalkin