Team USA emerged victorious in the recent World Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Antwerp, Belgium, winning its seventh straight gold medal for the Women’s Team Final. At the forefront of this victory was the renowned Simone Biles, who at the young age of 26, is breaking records after records in the international space. She has thus far collected 26 World Championship medals (20 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze) and 7 Olympic medals (4 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze). With such a stellar record, Biles has cemented her reputation not only as a multi-awarded gymnast, but also a strong cultural icon for aspiring athletes.

Raised in Texas by her adoptive parents, Biles first grew interest in the sport at the age of six when she had a trip to Bannon’s Gymnastix, where she then spent the next 11 years nurturing her skills under the mentorship of her then-coach, Aimee Boorman. By 2010, she had won her first few medals in vault at the Women’s Junior Olympic National Championships, before finally being the first African-American woman to win the all-around title at her first World Gymnastics Championships in 2013. In the 2016 London Olympics, which was Biles’ first eligible participation in the event, she led the United States to a total of four gold medals (the first for any female gymnast) and one bronze in the balance beam. 

Biles’ legacy is characterized by her fearless nature of pursuing difficult routines that soon became signature moves named after her. Most of her moves require extreme attention to detail, making her the only one that can execute them perfectly. After all, her genetics and physique are optimized for success in this sport — with a 4-foot-8-inch stature and muscular composition, she is capable of using her body as efficiently as possible. But her razor-sharp focus is what sets her apart. Even a split-second of mishap can cause an unsuccessful stunt, and to execute these flawlessly under immense pressure, Biles is showing impressive mental fortitude.

Biles has also used her platform to raise awareness on important issues. In the wake of the scandal involving the sexual assault of the then US gymnastics national team’s doctor, Lawrence G. Nassar, Biles courageously came out as one of his victims and used her influence to empower fellow victims. She has also spoken out on issues like Asian-American discrimination, the #MeToo movement, and the Black Lives Matter movement. An unusual presence in a sport that almost desires the silence and obedience of its athletes, Biles joins the likes of fellow sports legends like Serena Williams in exercising their cultural influence.

And now, as she nears her imminent retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics games, what’s next for Simone Biles remains a mystery, even for her. What is certain, however, is that her legacy remains, both in the gymnastics arena and in the minds of the young athletes she has inspired.