Simone Biles Just Made Gymnastics Cool Again – Here’s How
After a challenging 2020 Tokyo Games, the iconic gymnast came roaring into the 2024 Paris Olympics on what she dubbed her “redemption tour” — and what a tour it was. Now, in 2025, her efforts have culminated in one of the most prestigious honors in global athletics: being named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time.
From struggle to strength: Biles’ unstoppable journey continues to inspire the world.
At just 28 years old, Biles proved once again why she’s considered the GOAT of gymnastics. She clinched three gold medals — in the team, all-around, and vault events — and added a silver in the floor exercise, bringing her Olympic medal tally to 11, including seven golds. This places her just behind legendary Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina, who holds 18 Olympic medals and nine golds.
But more than medals, it was Biles’ resilience that captured hearts. In Tokyo, she battled a dangerous mental block known as “the twisties,” which forced her to step back from key events to protect her health. That bold decision sparked global conversations around athlete mental health — and her triumphant return in Paris was a powerful statement that champions rise, fall, and rise again, stronger than ever.
“Whenever I was younger and I started gymnastics, I always wanted to change the sport… I feel like my job has done just that,” Biles shared during her emotional Laureus acceptance speech.
Making History… Again
This marks Biles’ fourth Laureus win (2017, 2019, 2020, 2025), tying her with tennis icon Serena Williams for the most ever by a woman. She’s also the first athlete to win the award in back-to-back years, a feat that highlights her dominance not just in gymnastics, but across the entire sporting world.
“Winning a Laureus Award is such a special feeling — it puts gymnastics on the map even in a non-Olympic year,” Biles said at the press conference. “I’m proud to represent this sport on such a global stage.”
The Bigger Picture: More Than a Medalist
Simone Biles has become more than an elite athlete — she’s a role model, a mental health advocate, and a beacon of hope for the next generation of athletes. With her performance in Paris and her growing list of accolades, she’s not just influencing gymnastics — she’s changing the way the world sees strength.
From red carpets to balance beams, from personal battles to public triumphs, Biles continues to inspire with every move she makes.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
While she hasn’t officially confirmed plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, fans are already buzzing about the possibility. For now, Biles is taking a well-earned victory lap — one that’s been years in the making, and fully deserved.
