Simone Biles, one of the most accomplished gymnasts in history, has become an unexpected advocate for mental health in sports.
Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Biles has significantly contributed to gymnastics and is known for her unparalleled skills and athleticism.
Highlights
- Simone Biles is neither a dwarf nor known to be autistic. She is 4 feet 8 inches tall but has no genetic disorder associated with dwarfism.
- During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from several events due to “the twisties,” a dangerous loss of spatial awareness.
- On July 28, 2024, Biles participated in her maiden Olympic competition in Paris.
She gained global attention during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won four gold medals, showcasing her sports dominance.
Simone Biles’ journey is covered in a new Netflix documentary titled “Simone Biles Rising.” The four-part documentary series premiered on July 17, 2024.
The series follows Simone Biles as she balances her personal life, mental health journey, and training for her return to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Moreover, beyond her athletic expertise, Biles has been vocal about mental health challenges, raising awareness and advocating for support within the sports community.
Simone Biles Overcomes Misconceptions of Being a Dwarf and Autistic!
27 year-old, Simone Biles is not a dwarf. While she is short at 4 feet 8 inches tall, she does not have the genetic disorder associated with dwarfism.
Moreover, there is no information suggesting that Simone Biles is autistic too.
The news of Biles being autistic stemmed because she has been focusing on her mental health since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from several events due to mental health concerns, citing “the twisties” – a dangerous loss of spatial awareness while performing.
Biles is a survivor of Larry Nassar’s abuse, which contributed to her ongoing trauma and trust issues.
Her decision to prioritize mental health over competition sparked a global conversation about athletes’ well-being.
After taking a two-year break from gymnastics to focus on her mental health, Biles made a comeback in 2023.
Her actions have helped enlighten mental health issues in sports and encouraged others to speak up about their struggles.
Simone Biles is neither a dwarf nor known to be autistic. Moreover, she has been working on her mental health and is preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simone Biles Has Called The 2024 Paris Olympics Her “Redemption Tour,” After Withdrawing From The 2020 Tokyo Games Due To The Twisties, A Mental Block That Affects Her Spatial Awareness
Simone Biles stunned the world by withdrawing from the team competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Despite having previously shared her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, Biles kept her inner struggles private until they reached a breaking point when she encountered “the twisties.”
After withdrawing from the game, Simone mentioned,
We have to protect our body and our mind … It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head. Whenever you get in a high-stress situation, you kind of freak out. I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me, but sometimes it’s hard, hahaha! The Olympics is no joke.
Simone Biles
In October 2021, Simone Biles revealed in an interview on the Today show that she was “still scared to do gymnastics.”
Despite this, she has embraced a new role as a mental health advocate. Biles is expected to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics, with her first event slated for July 28, 2024.
She described her journey to the 2024 Olympics as her “toughest task yet.”
Additional Information
- Simone Biles was born to her biological parents, Shanon Biles and Kelvin Clemons, both of who struggled with addiction.
- However, Simone Biles was later adopted by Ronald Biles and Nellie Biles when she was 6 years old. Her adoptive parents have been highly supportive of her gymnastics career.
- Simone Biles’ boyfriend is Jonathan Owens, who is now her husband. They married on April 22, 2023, at the Harris County Courthouse in Houston.
