Five High-Flying Questions with Olympian Simone Biles

We lamented with Simone Biles when she withdrew from most of the gymnastics competitions at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because we understood her pain. The world often expects Black women to carry it all on their shoulders, and for the decorated Olympic gymnast, who was in Tokyo without her dedicated family, it was all just too much. She did the right thing by putting her physical and mental health first and then sought the guidance she needed to return stronger than ever.

And now, that day has come. Biles made a stunning comeback, earning some of the high qualifying scores during Sunday’s competition (with a calf injury, no less). She’ll compete for gold later this week in five gymnastics categories.

It’s evident that Biles has put in the hard work, faced the difficult traumas of her past and found healthy outlets to maintain her mental wellness. It’s all chronicled in the documentary Simone Biles Rising, now streaming on Netflix, where her courage to soar knows no bounds, and she thrives to be the best that she can be.

Biles is back in the international spotlight, competing on Team USA for Women’s Gymnastics for the third time, and if her qualifying rounds are any indication, she’s ready to win again. Even with her incredibly demanding schedule, she took a few minutes to answer five EBONY questions as quickly as she vaults her way to victories.

EBONY: Top three things on your gymnastics bucket list? 

Simone Biles: It’s hard to say because I’ve basically accomplished everything on my gymnastics bucket list: get a full-ride scholarship, become an elite gymnast and try to go to worlds and the Olympics! I’ve exceeded those expectations for myself, so now I’m enjoying the sport and trying to take it all in!

What other Olympic sports could you see yourself pursuing? 

I think gymnastics was the perfect fit for me. I’m very petite, so it worked out perfectly. 

What are some things you’ve learned about yourself, and which characteristics do you credit directly to your gymnastics training?

You don’t get anywhere without hard work and sacrifices, so I think I would attribute most of my success to always giving my very best.

Simone Biles in Simone Biles Rising
Simone Biles on the floor in Simone Biles Rising. Image: Netflix.

Which do you prefer most: beam, vault or floor?

I like all three events. Floor is probably my favorite at the moment because I like to tumble! It’s always been fun and entertaining for me to see what I’m capable of. 

What’s on your playlist before you head out to compete? 

It depends on what kind of mood I’m in at the moment, usually hip hop or today’s hot hits.

Updated: July 29, 2024 — 12:02 pm