Houston-native and gymnastics star Simone Biles has been named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year. Biles, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of gymnastics, received the award for pushing the conversation of mental health forward after withdrawing from events in the Tokyo Olympics.
She was expected to add at least five gold medals to her Olympic resumé and perform yet another skill named after her on the international stage. Instead, she withdrew from the competition and cheered her teammates on from the stands. Biles did not return until the balance beam finals. She left Tokyo with a Team silver medal and a bronze on the beam, which tied the record for most medals by a U.S. gymnast.
Despite previous trauma, Simone Biles went into the Tokyo games ready to compete. She was a victim and survivor of sexual abuse from her former team doctor Larry Nassar. She continued competing and applying pressure on USA Gymnastics to be held responsible for the failures within the organization that led to her and many others’ abuse and the protection of Nassar.
Biles experienced what many gymnasts know as the “twisties” in Tokyo. It is a phenomenon where an athlete experiences a disconnect between their mind and body; they lose awareness and control of their body mid-air. Biles made the difficult decision to withdraw from multiple events, support her teammates, and ensure her well-being.
The Tokyo Olympics were unlike the previous Olympics that Biles had competed in. All Olympians were unable to partake in a support system with family and friends due to COVID-19 protocols that were enforced. After withdrawing from multiple events, Biles received criticism from many people worldwide.
When reflecting on the 2020 Olympics, Biles said, “I was torn because things weren’t going the way I wanted, but looking back, I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Simone Biles is a native of Spring, Texas, a North Houston suburb. She was in and out of foster care after her birth mother was unable to care for her. In 2000, Biles’ maternal grandparents began caring for her in Spring, Texas. They officially adopted her in 2003.
Biles was homeschooled, allowing her to train 20-32 hours per week. She would later commit to UCLA in 2014, and by 2015, she would have three national titles in gymnastics. Biles first qualified in the 2016 Summer Olympics and won four gold medals.
She was the only gymnast for Team USA to compete in all four events in the finals. Simone Biles is tied as the most decorated gymnast of all time with 32 Olympic and World Championship medals.
