100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Athletes

Simone Biles, USA

Gymnastics

It has been said, in the world of gymnastics, the only competition for Simone Biles is herself. Such is the prowess of the 21-year-old American, it feels everyone else is just fighting for second place. Diminutive in stature, Biles is just 4’8” tall and weighs 105lbs, her dominance is unrivalled – perhaps in any sport. Gymnastics has always been a sport of prodigies, particularly in the female division, think back to Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci, but the level Biles have achieved is something else. Having only become a senior in 2013, Biles has one Olympic Games under her belt. In Rio, she captured both attention and hearts as she flew to gold medals on the floor, vault, all-around and team events. She also picked up a bronze on the beam. She has 14 gold medals from the world championships – and that’s with taking the whole of 2017 off, too. For someone in and out of foster care in her formative years, it makes her achievements all the more incredible. With great profile, comes the ability send a message too. Last year Biles, wore teal to the US Nationals in support of those affected by the US Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal. Biles designed the costume herself and later said: “The colour is for the survivors. I stand with all of them and think it’s kind of special to unite.” Biles herself was a victim of the former coach Larry Nassar. Her influence goes well beyond the mat. Last October Mary Bono quit in her role as USA Gymnastics CEO after just four days following controversy over an anti-Nike tweet she had published. Biles had been quick to condemn and was seen as a contributing factor in the decision to step down. For someone who has done so much is sport, it’s sometimes hard to remember she isn’t long out of her teens. A tweet saying she had just met pop star Cardi B and her life was now complete reaffirms this. She is very much a normal, young woman, who has done extraordinary things.

– By turning pro in 2015 Biles forewent the chance to compete for UCLA in the US collegiate system, but is currently studying business administration at The University of the People.

– Her first taste of gymnastics was as a six-year-old at a day-care field trip – it’s fair to say things have escalated from there.

– In February this year, Biles was named Leureus Sportswoman of the Year for the second time.

Did you know…

Biles is a pop-culture icon in the US, and during her hiatus year in 2017 placed fourth on Dancing With The Stars.

“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” – Simone Biles

Twitter: @Simone_Biles

Instagram: simonebiles