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, considered one of the greatest of all time. With 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, she is the most decorated gymnast in history. She holds the record for the most Olympic medals earned by a U.S. gymnast. The International Sports Press Association recognized her as the third-best female athlete of the past 100 years.

Sections (6)

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

2013: U.S. Classic Poor Performance

In July 2013, Simone Biles competed at the U.S. Classic, performing poorly with several falls and twisting her ankle on the floor exercise. Subsequently, she consulted a sports psychologist, crediting this with helping her anxiety and confidence issues and enabling her future dominance.

September 2016: Disclosure of ADHD and Medication Use

In September 2016, after 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: ADHD Disclosure

In September 2017, Simone Biles spoke about having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and her use of Ritalin (methylphenidate) for treatment after her medical records were leaked online.

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.

2020: 2020 Summer Olympics

During the 2020 Summer Olympics, Simone Biles withdrew from most of the competition after the qualification round due to "the twisties." In 2020, she won a silver medal with the United States team nicknamed the "Fighting Four".

July 28, 2021: Withdrawal from individual all-around competition

On July 28, 2021, Simone Biles withdrew from the finals of the individual all-around competition at the Olympics, citing mental health concerns.

August 2021: 2020 Olympic Games

In August 2021, at the 2020 Olympic Games, Simone Biles performed the all-around during qualifications, helping the United States qualify for the team final. Despite mishaps, she qualified for multiple individual finals, being the only athlete to qualify for all.

September 15, 2021: Testimony to U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

On September 15, 2021, Simone Biles testified to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, blaming "the entire system" for enabling and perpetuating Nassar's crimes.

2024: 2024 Paris Olympics

In 2024, after the gymnastics apparatus finals, Simone Biles wore a medical boot due to a calf injury. At the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was part of the ceremonial passing of the Olympic flag.