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 with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. She is considered one of the greatest gymnasts and Olympians of all time. Her 11 Olympic medals tie her with Věra Čáslavská as the second-most decorated female Olympic gymnast and give her the record for most Olympic medals earned by any U.S. gymnast.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

October 2013: Surgery for bone spurs

In October 2013, Simone Biles had surgery for bone spurs in her right tibia, which sidelined her for three weeks.

2013: U.S. Classic Performance and Consultation with Sports Psychologist

In July 2013, Simone Biles competed poorly at the U.S. Classic. Following this, she consulted a sports psychologist, who helped her with anxiety and confidence issues.

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 withdrawal from American Cup

In March 2014, Simone Biles had a shoulder injury that led her to withdraw from the March 2014 American Cup.

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 (ADHD) and was permitted to take medication for it, having received a therapeutic use exemption. She was applauded for her openness.

September 2017: Disclosure of ADHD diagnosis

In September 2017, Simone Biles spoke about having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after her medical records were leaked online. She revealed that she had been taking Ritalin to treat the condition during the Olympics, having been diagnosed as a child.

January 18, 2018: Statement on Larry Nassar's abuse

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.

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." She won a silver medal with the United States team nicknamed the "Fighting Four".

July 28, 2021: Biles withdrew from the finals of the individual all-around competition

On July 28, 2021, Simone Biles withdrew from the finals of the individual all-around competition, citing mental health concerns. She would later withdraw from more event finals.

September 15, 2021: Testimony to the 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, saying that USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee "failed to do their jobs".