Simone Biles Says She ‘Never Imagined’ Winning a Medal When She Started Gymnastics: ‘I Just Wanted to Have Fun’

Mar. 15, 2025

Simone Biles.Photo:Unique Nicole/Getty

Unique Nicole/Getty

Simone Bilesinspired gymnastics everywhere with her recent acceptance speech!

While accepting her honorasSports Illustrated’sSportsperson of the Year, the 7-time Olympic gold medalist gave a short, but impactful speech about her journey from junior gymnast to making history.

“When I started doing gymnastics when I was 6, I never imagined winning medals and everything I’ve been fortunate enough to do up until this point. I just wanted to have fun and hopefully get a college scholarship. I’ve kind of surpassed all of that, which is super exciting, but everyday I spend competing alongside my teammates is truly a gift, “ Biles said.

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Taking time in her speech to give words of advice to the younger generation of gymnasts, Biles, 27, told them to push forward despite obstacles.

“No matter what life may throw at you along your journey, be the best person you can be, follow your passion, and put in the work, and you know that I see the gold within all of you,” Biles said to those in attendance, which also included long-time friend and former teammateAly Raisman, who presented her with the honor.

Elsewhere in her acceptance speech, Biles shared loving words of thanks for her husband, Chicago Bears playerJonathan Owens, and noted the rise and increased spotlight on women’s sports in 2024.

In the interview for the feature, Biles hinted that her time as an Olympian may have come to an end.

source: people.com