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 one of the greatest of all time. With a combined total of 41 Olympic and World Championship medals, she holds the record for the most decorated gymnast in history. At the Olympics, she is tied for the second-most decorated female gymnast. Her skills and achievements have solidified her status as a sporting icon.

Sections (6)

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

2013: U.S. Classic and Sports Psychologist Consultation

In July 2013, Simone Biles competed at the U.S. Classic, performing poorly and twisting her ankle. Subsequently, she consulted a sports psychologist, crediting them with helping her anxiety and confidence issues.

2014: Injury and Return to Competition

In 2014, Simone Biles missed the start of the season due to injury, sitting out the AT&T American Cup and the Pacific Rim Championships. She returned at the U.S. Classic in Chicago, winning the all-around and taking first place on vault, beam, and floor. She also 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 (ADHD) and was permitted to take medication for it, having received a therapeutic use exemption. This disclosure was met with widespread support and applause.

2016: Biles Shaky Performances at the Summer Olympics

Due to Biles shaky performances in the event finals at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Biles and Landi removed inconsistent skills including the Barani, front pike, and front tuck saltos, replacing them with skills such as an aerial cartwheel (which Biles had not performed since 2014) and introducing the upgraded Biles dismount.

May 15, 2017: Elimination from Dancing with the Stars

On May 15, 2017, Simone Biles was eliminated from season 24 of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in fourth place. She was paired with professional dancer Sasha Farber.

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September 2017: Speaking about ADHD

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 (methylphenidate) to treat the condition during the Olympics.

January 18, 2018: Biles reveals assault by Larry Nassar

On January 18, 2018, Simone Biles publicly stated that she was sexually assaulted by former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar and accused USA Gymnastics of covering it up.

2018: Biles Shaky Performances at the World Championships

Due to Biles shaky performances in the event finals at the 2018 World Championships, Biles and Landi removed inconsistent skills including the Barani, front pike, and front tuck saltos, replacing them with skills such as an aerial cartwheel (which Biles had not performed since 2014) and introducing the upgraded Biles dismount.

2020: 2020 Summer Olympics

At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Simone Biles withdrew from most of the competition after the qualification round, citing "the twisties". Despite this, she secured a silver medal with the United States team, known as the "Fighting Four".

July 28, 2021: Biles withdraws from the 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: Biles competes at the 2020 Olympic Games

During August 2021, at the 2020 Olympic Games, Simone Biles qualified for the all-around final in first place, despite several mishaps during the qualifications.

September 15, 2021: Biles Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

On September 15, 2021, Simone Biles testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, blaming "the entire system" for enabling Larry Nassar's crimes and criticizing USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee for failing to do their jobs.