Did Simone Biles Grow Up in Struggling Surroundings? How Did She Discover Gymnastics?

Published 12/03/2021, 11:10 AM EST

With 34 Olympic and World Championship medals and a Hall of Fame career, Simone Biles is a legend. Winning her first World Championship medal in 2013, she announced her arrival on the big stage. Fast forward to 2018, she fetched four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, it was not an easy road for the talented gymnast. From going through tough struggles, her incredible career is right up there with the best athletes.

However, her path to success has not been a cakewalk. Significantly, the famous gymnast worked her way through to become a legend in the sport of gymnastics.

Article continues below this ad

Simone Biles had a tough start

Although she has a net worth of $10 million, she had to earn her way through rather than being blessed with a huge amount of fortune. After her mother dropped her and her three siblings at a foster care center, things were difficult in the beginning. Soon after her maternal grandparents adopted her and her youngest sibling while the elder two sisters got adopted by her grandmother’s sister.

During the time on her daycare field trip, she performed a back tuck on the ground; when one gymnast wanted her to try it on a balance beam. Biles accepted her challenge as she rushed onto the beam. Although her friend was joking at first, Biles took up the challenge.

“So I went and ran up on the beam. And she screamed at me. She’s like, ‘I wasn’t serious.’ But I was going to do it,” said Biles.

As they say, the rest is history.

Simone Biles’ Boyfriend Jonathan Owens Earns Huge NFL Career Bump

Being an influential leader

Article continues below this ad

Although she did not perform the back tuck on the balance beam, many coaches took notice of her talents in the gym. Hence, they sent a letter to her family because of her undoubted potential and convinced her grandparents to let her perform gymnastics. From there on, she has become a legend of the sport winning several medals and creating numerous records. Her twists and leaps are right up there with the best. Thus, her success led to different opportunities as she partnered with the online University of People to create a scholarship for children in foster care.

“Once foster kids age out of the system, they often don’t have the opportunity to go to a regular university because of all the student fees. Everyone deserves an opportunity. I was given one, and I want to make sure others get one too,” said Biles.

Never forget your roots. It’s a statement ushered upon many athletes by their godfathers. Simone Biles took that in her stride and continues to be an influential person in many people’s lives.

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY- From His Music Festival Company to Heart Disease: Five Unknown Facts About Shaun White

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the center the respect he deserves.

Did Simone Biles Grow Up in Struggling Surroundings? How Did She Discover Gymnastics?

Simone Biles had a tough start

Trending

Fresh Controversy Brews After Sha’Carri Richardson and Team USA ‘Outfit’ Fallout As Athlete Robbed of Paris Olympics Dream Over Sponsorship

Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Rematch in Four Words

Michael Jordans’ Entrepreneurial Drive Could Potentially Be the End of 23XI and Denny Hamlin’s Dream

Coco Gauff Brushing Aside Madrid Open Heart-Break With ‘Sexy’ Dinner Date Impresses Boyfriend Jalen Sera and Danielle Collins

Exercise Scientist Reveals an Unlikely Benefit of Using Creatine: “Many People Did Not See Coming”

Being an influential leader