How Simone Biles Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Simone Biles across different fields.

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

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.

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.

2016: Co-wrote autobiography

After the 2016 Rio Games, Biles co-wrote an autobiography with journalist Michelle Burford, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

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January 8, 2017: "Courage to Soar" reached number one on The New York Times best sellers Young Adult list

On January 8, 2017, Simone Biles' autobiography, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, reached number one on The New York Times best sellers Young Adult list.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

Check it on Amazon

September 2021: Appearance on Time 100

In September 2021, Simone Biles appeared on the Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, for "championing mental health".

July 7, 2022: Presidential Medal of Freedom

On July 7, 2022, Simone Biles was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest honor given to civilians, by President Joe Biden in a ceremony at the White House.