Challenges Faced by Simone Biles: Obstacles and Turning Points
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Simone Biles. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2018: Broken Toe and Kidney Stone
In 2018, Simone Biles suffered a broken toe and a kidney stone.
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'.
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".
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.
2024: Aggravated Calf Injury
At the 2024 Olympic Games, Simone Biles aggravated a calf injury in her left leg during the qualification round.
