In case you have not been paying attention to the mainstream media, the Olympics are in full swing. With eyes glued to the television nightly, Americans are continuing to cheer on our greatest athletes that are competing in Rio de Jinero, Brazil. One of the most talked about sports, gymnastics, has a new star on the team. Her name is Simone Biles and she is taking on the Olympics by storm. Here are just a few reasons to be obsessed with this inspiring young woman.
1. At only 19-years-old, she has accomplished more than most gymnasts do in an entire career.
Gymnasts all over the world dream of going to the Olympics to represent their country proudly. It is only a select few that have the honor to do so. With a long gymnastics career still ahead of her, it is impressive to note her incredible success so far.
2. She is only four feet and eight inches tall, making her the ultimate definition of fun size.
Simone is known for having a lot of energy, despite her small frame. Her positivity and great attitude make the phrase "good things come in small packages" completely accurate.
3. She was adopted by her grandparents at a young age after her mother struggled with substance abuse.
To Simone Biles, her grandparents are actually just her mom and dad. After being put into the foster care system, her grandparents graciously adopted Simone and her younger sister. Who would have known they would be raising an Olympian?
4. She does not let her difficult childhood stop her from achieving her dreams.
Despite some setbacks earlier in life, Simone is an inspiration to us all by still continuing to follow her dreams and pursue her passion.
5. Simone taught herself how to do back flips before even stepping into a gym.
While other children played with toys, Simone was teaching herself how to flip. It is amazing how early on her desire to be a gymnast was, even before she knew what gymnastics was.
6. Her technique is well beyond her years.
Simone's gymnastic technique continues to surpass those further into their gymnastic careers.
7. She continues to stay humble the more well-known she becomes.
It is always difficult to see a someone with new found fame fall into the path of egotistical behaviors. With the help of her grandparents, she is able to stay grounded despite her growing popularity.
8. She is the first woman to be named the all-round world champion three years in a row.
During the years that there is not a summer Olympics, gymnasts instead compete in a world championship. Simone, of course, has been excelling at the world championship for years.
9. Her complete domination of her first Olympic games is astounding.
This year, she has competed and defeated gymnastic veterans from both the United States and abroad. Her success in her first Olympics deserves some much needed respect.
10. She is the first woman in two decades to win back-to-back world and Olympic all-round metals.
This makes her arguably one of the best gymnasts of all time.
11. Her determination to defy the odds is an inspiration to millennials across the globe.
Simone has faced both a rocky childhood and discrimination. Despite these, she has risen above to follow her dreams and achieve them. She has a long career ahead of her, and we cannot wait to see where it takes her.
