History of Simone Biles in Timeline
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast renowned as the most decorated gymnast in history, holding 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals. Considered one of the greatest gymnasts and Olympians of all time, she is tied for the second-most decorated female Olympic gymnast and holds the record for the most Olympic medals earned by a U.S. gymnast. Her achievements have solidified her status as a legendary figure in the sport.
1956: Quadruple Gold Medallist in Women's Gymnastics
In 1956, Larisa Latynina and Agnes Keleti were quadruple gold medallists in women's gymnastics at a single Games
1956: Most Women's Olympic Gymnastics Medals
In 1956, Latynina, won six medals
1958: Larisa Latynina and Boris Shakhlin won five gold medals at the World Championships.
In 1958, Larisa Latynina and Boris Shakhlin both won five gold medals at a single World Championships.
1960: Gymnast to Win Every Major All-Around Title
From 1956-1960, Larisa Latynina was a gymnast to win every major all-around title in an Olympic cycle.
1960: Most Women's Olympic Gymnastics Medals
In 1960, Latynina, won six medals
1964: Gymnast to Win Every Major All-Around Title
From 1964-1968, Věra Čáslavská was a gymnast to win every major all-around title in an Olympic cycle.
1964: Most Women's Olympic Gymnastics Medals
In 1964, Latynina, won six medals
1968: Quadruple Gold Medallist in Women's Gymnastics
In 1968, Věra Čáslavská was the first instance of a quadruple gold medallist in women's gymnastics at a single Games
1968: Most Women's Olympic Gymnastics Medals
In 1968, Čáslavská, won six medals
1972: Gymnast to Win Every Major All-Around Title
From 1968-1972, Luydmila Tourischeva was a gymnast to win every major all-around title in an Olympic cycle.
1972: Gymnastics Medals at a Single Olympics
In 1972, Karin Janz also won five women's gymnastics medals at a single Olympics.
1972: Defending Olympic All-Around Champion
Since the 1972 Olympics Lyudmilla Turischeva became the first defending Olympic women's all-around champion to earn a world all-around title.
1974: Defending Olympic All-Around Champion
In 1974, Lyudmilla Turischeva became the first defending Olympic women's all-around champion to earn a world all-around title.
1976: Gymnastics Medals at a Single Olympics
In 1976, Nadia Comaneci also won five women's gymnastics medals at a single Olympics.
1984: Quadruple Gold Medallist in Women's Gymnastics
In 1984, Ecaterina Szabo was the first instance of a quadruple gold medallist in women's gymnastics at a single Games
1984: Gymnastics Medals at a Single Olympics
In 1984, Mary Lou Retton and Szabo also won five women's gymnastics medals at a single Olympics.
1984: Team USA Claims a Medal in Every Women's Gymnastics Event
In 1984, with Biles's five total medals along with Madison Kocian's silver medal on the uneven bars, Team USA claimed a medal in every women's artistic gymnastics event for the first time since 1984.
1987: Elena Shushunova wins a medal on every event
Since 1987, Biles is the first gymnast since Elena Shushunova in 1987 to win a medal on every event at a single World Championships
1988: Most Women's Olympic Gymnastics Medals
In 1988, Daniela Silivas, won six medals
1988: First Since Daniela Silivaș to Win a Medal on Every Event
In 1988, Daniela Silivaș was the last female gymnast before Simone Biles to win a medal on every event at a single Olympics or World Championships.
1991: Shannon Miller's Qualification
In 1991, Shannon Miller qualified to the all-around and all four event finals.
1992: Gymnastics Medals at a Single Olympics
In 1992, Shannon Miller also won five women's gymnastics medals at a single Olympics.
1994: Dominique Dawes Placed First in Every Event
Since 1994, Biles is the first woman since Dominique Dawes in 1994 to place first in every event over the two days of competition
1996: Lilia Podkopayeva Wins Gold
In 1996, Lilia Podkopayeva of Ukraine won gold in the all-around as well as in an event final
1996: First Since Lilia Podkopayeva to Hold Both Titles
In 1996, Lilia Podkopayeva was the last gymnast before Simone Biles to hold both the Olympic and World Championship individual all-around titles simultaneously.
March 14, 1997: Simone Biles Born
On March 14, 1997, Simone Arianne Biles Owens was born. She is an American artistic gymnast and is considered the most decorated gymnast in history.
2000: Grandparents Became Caretakers
In 2000, Simone Biles' maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles, began temporarily caring for Simone and her siblings after learning they were in foster care.
2001: Márta Károlyi's Role
In 2001, Márta Károlyi started being the National Team Coordinator.
2001: Svetlana Khorkina's Repeat
In 2001, Svetlana Khorkina's achievements.
2003: Adoption by Grandparents
In 2003, Simone Biles and her younger sister Adria were formally adopted by her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles.
2003: Svetlana Khorkina's Repeat
In 2003, Svetlana Khorkina's achievements.
2008: American Gymnasts Win Gold and Silver at the Olympics
In 2008 Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson became the second pair of American gymnasts to win gold and silver in the individual all-around.
2008: 2008 Olympic gold medalist
In 2008, Hong Un Jong of North Korea, was the Olympic gold medalist.
2008: Gymnastics Medals at a Single Olympics
In 2008, Nastia Liukin also won five women's gymnastics medals at a single Olympics.
2009: Nastia Liukin won the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete.
In 2009, Nastia Liukin won the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete, the first gymnast to win this award.
2010: 2010 world all-around champion
In 2010, Aliya Mustafina was the world all-around champion.
July 1, 2011: Elite Gymnastics Career
On July 1, 2011, Simone Biles began her elite gymnastics career at age 14 at the 2011 American Classic in Houston.
2012: Gabby Douglas Wins Gold
In 2012 Gabby Douglas won both the individual all-around gold and team gold at the same Olympics.
2012: U.S. Classic Performance
In 2012, Gabby Douglas was the Olympic all-around champion.
2012: USA Gymnastics National Championships
In 2012, Simone Biles competed at the USA Gymnastics National Championships and was later named to the U.S. Junior National Team.
2012: Switch to Home Schooling
In 2012, Simone Biles switched from public school to home schooling to increase her training hours.
October 2013: Surgery for Bone Spurs
In October 2013, Simone Biles had surgery for bone spurs in her right tibia, sidelining her for three weeks.
2013: Kyla Ross posted a higher single-day all-around score than Simone Biles
In 2013, Kyla Ross posted a higher single-day all-around score than Simone Biles, the first time anyone had done so since then.
2013: World Championships Success
In 2013, Simone Biles became the individual all-around champion and floor exercise champion at the World Championships.
2013: City of Jesolo Trophy and International Tri-Meet
In 2013, Simone Biles competed at the City of Jesolo Trophy, winning several titles, and at an international tri-meet in Chemnitz, Germany, winning the team gold medal.
2013: U.S. Classic Performance and Consulting a Sports Psychologist
In 2013, Simone Biles had a poor performance at the U.S. Classic, leading her to consult a sports psychologist, which she credits with helping her anxiety and confidence.
2013: U.S. National All-Around Championship
In 2013, Simone Biles won her first United States national all-around championship.
2013: Senior International Debut
In March 2013, Simone Biles made her senior international debut at the American Cup, a FIG World Cup event, finishing second after a fall off the beam.
March 2014: Shoulder Injury and American Cup Withdrawal
In March 2014, Simone Biles had a shoulder injury that led her to withdraw from the American Cup.
August 4, 2014: Verbal Commitment to UCLA
On August 4, 2014, Simone Biles verbally committed to UCLA.
November 2014: Signed National Letter of Intent to UCLA
In November 2014, Simone Biles signed a National Letter of Intent to UCLA, with plans to defer enrollment until after the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2014: Vault Bronze Medalist
In 2014, MyKayla Skinner was the Worlds vault bronze medalist.
2014: Continued World Championships Success
In 2014, Simone Biles became the individual all-around champion and balance beam champion, and a member of the gold medal-winning United States team at the World Championships.
2014: 2014 Season
In 2014, Simone Biles missed the start of the season due to injury, but later won the all-around at the U.S. Classic and repeated as national all-around champion at the USA Gymnastics National Championships.
2014: Biles performed an aerial cartwheel
In 2014, Simone Biles performed an aerial cartwheel after not performing it since that year.
2014: Biles named individual Sportswoman of the Year
In 2014, Simone Biles was named individual Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation, and was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25 after the world championships.
2014: Beating Previous Margin of Victory Records
In 2014, the US beat previous margin of victory records set in the open-ended code of points era at the 2014 World Championships (6.693)
2014: 2014 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships
On September 17, 2014, Simone Biles was selected to compete at the 2014 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Nanning, China, leading the United States to its second consecutive world team championship and winning her second consecutive world all-around title.
July 2015: Signed with Octagon Sports Agency
In July 2015, Simone Biles signed with the Octagon sports agency.
July 29, 2015: Turned Professional
On July 29, 2015, Simone Biles announced that she would turn professional and forfeit her NCAA eligibility to compete for UCLA.
November 2015: Nike Sponsorship
In November 2015, Simone Biles announced her sponsorship by Nike.
November 23, 2015: Deal with GK Elite Sportswear
On November 23, 2015, Simone Biles signed a deal with GK Elite Sportswear to sell a line of leotards bearing her name.
December 2015: Simone Biles named Team USA Female Olympic Athlete of the Year
In December 2015, Simone Biles was named Team USA Female Olympic Athlete of the Year, becoming the fourth gymnast to win the honor.
2015: U.S. National Championships
At the 2015 U.S. National Championships, Simone Biles secured her third all-around national title.
2015: Further World Championships Success
In 2015, Simone Biles continued her success at the World Championships, becoming the individual all-around champion and floor exercise champion, and being a part of the gold medal-winning United States team.
2015: 2015 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships
In 2015, Simone Biles represented the United States at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. She qualified in first place in the all-around, vault, beam, and floor finals and helped the United States team win their third consecutive gold medal. Biles secured the all-around title, becoming the first woman to win three consecutive all-around titles in World Gymnastics Championships history. She won bronze on vault and retained her world titles on balance beam and floor exercise, bringing her total World Championships medal count to 14 and total gold medal count to 10.
2015: American Cup and City of Jesolo Trophy
In 2015, Simone Biles won the American Cup and the City of Jesolo Trophy.
August 2016: Kellogg's Special Berries Gold Medal Edition
In August 2016, Kellogg's put the Final Five's picture on the Gold Medal Edition of Special Berries.
September 2016: Spokesperson for Mattress Firm
In September 2016, Simone Biles became a spokesperson for Mattress Firm's program of supporting foster homes.
September 2016: Disclosure of ADHD and Medication Use
In September 2016, following a hack into the World Anti-Doping Agency, Simone Biles disclosed on Twitter that she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and was permitted to take medication for it, having applied for and received a therapeutic use exemption. She was applauded for opening up about ADHD.
December 2016: Biles chosen as one of the sponsors of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Enterprise
In December 2016, Simone Biles was chosen as one of the sponsors of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, alongside Katie Ledecky and becoming the first Olympians to be given this honor.
2016: First Score Recorded Above 60 Since 2016 Olympics
In 2016, Biles 60.100 all-around score from the first day of competition was the first score recorded above 60 since her own all-around victory at the 2016 Olympics.
2016: Márta Károlyi's Role
In 2016, Márta Károlyi stopped being the National Team Coordinator.
2016: Deferred Enrollment
In 2016, Simone Biles deferred her enrollment from UCLA.
2016: Numerous Upgrades to Routines
In 2016, Simone Biles showed numerous upgrades to her routines, including a Fabrichnova (double-twisting double back dismount) and a Van Leeuwen on uneven bars, and a Moors (double-twisting double layout) on floor exercise.
2016: U.S. National All-Around Championship
In 2016, Simone Biles won the United States national all-around championship.
2016: 2016 U.S. National Championships
In 2016, Simone Biles won the all-around title at the U.S. National Championships by a significant margin. She won gold medals on vault, floor exercise, and balance beam, and placed fourth on uneven bars.
2016: Olympic Games Success
In 2016, Simone Biles won two gold medals in the individual all-around and vault, a gold medal on floor exercise, and a bronze medal on balance beam at the Olympic Games. She also led the United States team, dubbed the "Final Five," to a gold medal.
2016: Co-Wrote Autobiography
In 2016, after the Rio Games, Simone Biles co-wrote an autobiography with journalist Michelle Burford, titled Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance.
2016: Tide Commercial "The Evolution of Power"
In 2016, before the Rio Games, Simone Biles was featured in a Tide commercial with gymnasts Dominique Dawes and Nadia Comăneci called "The Evolution of Power".
2016: Beating Previous Margin of Victory Records
In 2016, the US beat previous margin of victory records set in the open-ended code of points era at the 2016 Rio Olympics (8.209)
2016: 2016 Summer Olympics Women's Qualification
On August 7, 2016, Simone Biles competed in the Women's Qualification at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She helped her team qualify in first place and individually qualified as the top gymnast in the all-around, vault, balance beam, and floor exercise finals.
2016: Named to 2016 Rio Summer Olympics Team
On July 10, 2016, Simone Biles was named to the team for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, alongside Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman.
January 8, 2017: "Courage to Soar" Reaches Number One
On January 8, 2017, Biles' autobiography "Courage to Soar" reached number one on The New York Times best sellers Young Adult list.
May 15, 2017: Eliminated from Dancing with the Stars
On May 15, 2017, Simone Biles was eliminated from season 24 of Dancing with the Stars, one week before the finals, finishing in fourth place.
July 2017: Simone Biles wins ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete
In July 2017, Simone Biles won the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete, becoming the second gymnast to win the award.
August 2017: Began relationship with Stacey Ervin Jr.
In August 2017, Simone Biles began a relationship with fellow gymnast Stacey Ervin Jr.
September 2017: ADHD Disclosure
In September 2017, Simone Biles spoke about having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after her medical records were leaked online, revealing that she had been taking Ritalin to treat the condition during the Olympics. She emphasized that ADHD is nothing to be ashamed of.
2017: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In 2017, Simone Biles won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.
2017: Difficulty Value of 6.4
In 2017-2020 code of points Simone Biles premiered a vault, which was given a difficulty value of 6.4.
2017: Returns to the Gym and Hires New Coach
In August 2017, Simone Biles returned to the gym to start conditioning. In October 2017, Biles hired coach Laurent Landi, who had coached her Olympic teammate Madison Kocian.
2017: Added Back to National Team
On March 1, 2017, Simone Biles was added back to the National Team after the Athlete Selection Committee viewed recent videos of her performances. In July, she won the all-around title at the U.S. Classic, also winning gold on floor and balance beam.
2017: Most difficult elements on each apparatus
Simone Biles's named elements on vault, balance beam, and floor exercise introduced during the 2017–2021 quad are the most difficult elements on each apparatus.
January 18, 2018: Sexual Assault Disclosure
On January 18, 2018, Simone Biles said that former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar had sexually assaulted her and that USA Gymnastics helped cover it up.
May 2018: Biles and other survivors awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
In May 2018, Simone Biles and the other survivors were awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
2018: Named for Gymnastics Legends
At the 2018 Youth Olympics, the mixed multi-discipline teams were named for gymnastics legends, including Biles, Nadia Comăneci, and Kōhei Uchimura. The team named for Biles won gold.
2018: Dominance at World Championships
In 2018, Simone Biles became the individual all-around champion, floor exercise champion, and vault champion, and a member of the gold medal-winning United States team at the World Championships.
2018: Broken Toe and Kidney Stone
In 2018, Simone Biles suffered a broken toe and a kidney stone.
2018: U.S. National All-Around Championship
In 2018, Simone Biles won the United States national all-around championship, and won all five gold medals.
2018: Collaboration with Caboodles
In 2018, Simone Biles worked with Caboodles to create and market products for women with active lifestyles.
2018: Dominates 2018 National Championships
In August 2018, Simone Biles competed at the National Championships, placing first in every event, marking her seventh national team invitation. Her all-around score was the first above 60 since the 2016 Olympics.
2018: World Team Selection Camp
In October 2018, Simone Biles participated in the World Team Selection Camp, placing first in the all-around, vault, and floor exercise. She debuted a new vault, later named 'The Biles'. She was named to the team for the 2018 World Championships.
2018: Emergency Room Visit and Qualification
In late October 2018, at the World Championships in Doha, Simone Biles went to the emergency room for a kidney stone. She qualified for multiple event finals and the team final. Her new vault was named 'The Biles'.
February 2019: Biles named Laureus World Sports Award Sportswoman of the Year
In February 2019, Simone Biles was named Laureus World Sports Award in the category of Sportswoman of the Year for the second time.
November 2019: Biles wins the People's Choice Award for The Game Changer of 2019
In November 2019, Simone Biles won the People's Choice Award for The Game Changer of 2019.
2019: Continued Dominance at World Championships
In 2019, Simone Biles became the individual all-around champion, floor exercise champion, balance beam champion, and vault champion, and a member of the gold medal-winning United States team at the World Championships.
2019: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In 2019, Simone Biles won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.
2019: U.S. National All-Around Championship
In 2019, Simone Biles won the United States national all-around championship.
February 2020: Biles awarded the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year
In February 2020, Simone Biles was awarded the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year for the second consecutive year and third time overall.
March 2020: Ended relationship with Stacey Ervin Jr.
In March 2020, Simone Biles ended her relationship with fellow gymnast Stacey Ervin Jr.
August 2020: Started dating Jonathan Owens
In August 2020, Simone Biles started dating professional American football player Jonathan Owens after meeting on the dating app Raya.
2020: 2020 Summer Olympics
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Simone Biles withdrew from most of the competition after the qualification round due to "the twisties" but still managed to secure a silver medal with the United States team, nicknamed the "Fighting Four".
2020: Difficulty Value of 6.4
In 2017-2020 code of points Simone Biles premiered a vault, which was given a difficulty value of 6.4.
2020: Highest Score Recorded Under the 2017-2020 Code of Points
In 2017-2020, Simone Biles all-around score of 58.700 became the highest score recorded under the 2017–2020 Code of Points despite a fall on the uneven bars and an out-of-bounds penalty on floor exercise.
2020: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In 2020, Simone Biles won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.
April 2021: Apparel Sponsorship with Athleta
In April 2021, Simone Biles announced that she was leaving Nike for a new apparel sponsorship with the Gap's Athleta brand.
May 2021: Yurchenko Double Piked
In May 2021, Simone Biles became the first woman to complete a Yurchenko double piked on the vault during competition.
September 15, 2021: Testimony to U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee
On September 15, 2021, Simone Biles testified to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee that she blamed "the entire system" for enabling and perpetuating Nassar's crimes.
2021: U.S. National All-Around Championship
In 2021, Simone Biles won the United States national all-around championship.
February 15, 2022: Engagement to Jonathan Owens
On February 15, 2022, Simone Biles announced her engagement to Jonathan Owens.
July 7, 2022: Presidential Medal of Freedom
On July 7, 2022, Simone Biles received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. She was the youngest person to ever receive this award, the nation's highest honor for civilians.
2022: H or Higher Skills on Floor Exercise
As of 2024, Simone Biles is the sole gymnast to have competed four skills valued at H or higher in the 2022–2024 Code of Points on floor exercise.
2022: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2022, Simone Biles was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.
April 22, 2023: Marriage to Jonathan Owens
On April 22, 2023, Simone Biles married Jonathan Owens.
December 2023: Associated Press Athlete of the Year
In December 2023, Simone Biles was named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year for the third time. She was also named international female Champion of Champions by L'Équipe for the fourth time.
December 19, 2023: The Pivot Podcast Controversy
On December 19, 2023, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens's interview on The Pivot Podcast went viral due to Owens' controversial comments about their relationship.
2023: Continued Success at World Championships
In 2023, Simone Biles became the individual all-around champion, floor exercise champion, balance beam champion and a member of the gold medal-winning United States team at the World Championships.
2023: Most difficult Vault Routine
In 2023, Simone Biles performed the most difficult vault routine ever performed in women's artistic gymnastics.
2023: Eighth U.S. Gymnastics Title
In 2023, Simone Biles won her eighth U.S. Gymnastics title, breaking the 90-year-old record previously held by Alfred Jochim.
2023: U.S. National All-Around Championship
In 2023, Simone Biles won the United States national all-around championship.
2023: Hillary Heron performed Biles I on floor
Until Hillary Heron of Panama performed the Biles I on floor at the 2023 World Championships, Simone Biles was the sole gymnast to have performed any of these skills in an FIG international competition.
April 2024: Laureus World Sports Award
In April 2024, Simone Biles was awarded her fourth career Laureus World Sports Award in the category of Comeback of the Year.
July 2024: Best Comeback Athlete ESPY Award
In July 2024, Simone Biles was awarded the Best Comeback Athlete ESPY Award. She was named Sports Illustrated's 2024 Sportsperson of the Year for winning three gold medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, and for changing gymnastics in the United States and the conversations around athletes.
2024: Aggravated Calf Injury
At the 2024 Olympic Games, Simone Biles aggravated a calf injury in her left leg during the qualification round.
2024: Most difficult Floor Exercise Routine
In 2024, Simone Biles performed the most difficult floor exercise routine ever performed in women's artistic gymnastics.
2024: Comeback of the Year
In 2024, Simone Biles won the Laureus World Comeback of the Year.
2024: U.S. National All-Around Championship
In 2024, Simone Biles won the United States national all-around championship, becoming the oldest female gymnast to ever win the title, and won all five gold medals.
2024: Continued Olympic Success
In 2024, Simone Biles won two gold medals in the individual all-around and vault, a silver medal on floor exercise, and led the United States team, called the "Golden Girls", to a gold medal at the Olympic Games.
2024: Call Her Daddy Podcast
In April of 2024, on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Simone Biles addressed the controversy surrounding her husband's comments on The Pivot Podcast.
