Simone Biles

Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history.

Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history. Born in Columbus, Ohio, she has won 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. She is known for her difficulty, consistency, and several signature skills named after her.

Early life and background

Simone Arianne Biles Owens was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, United States. She later moved to Texas and began gymnastics at a young age, rising through the junior elite ranks before entering senior competition.

Competitive career

Biles made her senior elite breakthrough in 2013 and quickly became dominant in all-around competition. She became a major international figure after winning major titles that year and went on to dominate world championships and multiple Olympic Games. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she won four gold medals and one bronze medal. She competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics after withdrawing from much of the 2020 Tokyo Games for mental health reasons. Her medal totals across the Olympics and World Championships are record-setting: 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals.

Signature skills and style

Biles is known for exceptionally difficult routines and for skills that have been named after her in the sport, including the Biles and Biles II. Her performances have influenced modern women's artistic gymnastics through higher difficulty and consistency.

Personal life

Biles has spoken publicly about mental health and resilience, especially after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She married American football player Jonathan Owens in 2023.