Simone Biles’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Born into difficult circumstances, she faced food insecurity and instability, spending time in foster care before being adopted by her grandparents. Despite early challenges, including a diagnosis of ADHD, Simone has achieved greatness in gymnastics, showing that ADHD does not define her. Her condition was revealed in 2016 when Russian hackers leaked athletes’ medical records, sparking questions about whether her medication gave her an edge. Simone addressed the issue publicly, emphasizing that there is no shame in managing ADHD, and her openness inspired many.

Throughout her career, Simone has faced numerous injuries, including broken toes, rib fractures, severe ankle sprains, and a dislocated shoulder in 2013. Despite these setbacks, she demonstrated extraordinary resilience and dedication. Notably, in 2019, she competed at the World Championships in Doha despite suffering from a kidney stone, winning multiple gold medals.

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Simone encountered “twisties,” a condition where gymnasts lose spatial awareness in midair, making it dangerous to land safely. This led to her withdrawing from several events, a decision that highlighted the importance of mental health in sports. The public’s reaction was initially mixed but quickly turned supportive, acknowledging the pressures elite athletes face. Simone’s decision to prioritize her mental health over competition underscored the need for athlete well-being and sparked broader discussions on mental health.

Simone has also been vocal about her experiences with the Larry Nassar abuse scandal, revealing the immense pressure and trauma she has faced. Her candidness about her struggles has garnered widespread support and has been instrumental in raising awareness about mental health in sports. Simone’s advocacy continues to inspire and drive important conversations about mental health care for athletes. Her influence extends beyond gymnastics, contributing to systemic changes in athlete welfare.