Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, is one of us! Yes, she’s neurodivergent, having been diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Since publicly sharing her diagnosis in 2016 after a whole load of drama around her medication exemption, Simone has been a shining star for neurodivergent folks, making her journey extra special to us here at Unruly Folk. Not only is she the most decorated gymnast in history, but she’s also a trailblazer, breaking boundaries both in and out of the gym.
Simone strutted into Paris with a jaw-dropping 37 medals (27 of them gold). And guess what? She has already added to her collection two golds in Women’s Artistic Team All-Around and Women’s Artistic Individual All-Around, respectively.
Let’s rewind to Tokyo 2020, where Simone faced the ultimate plot twist – the “twisties.” For the uninitiated, that’s when gymnasts lose their sense of direction mid-air (yikes!). Simone’s brave decision to step back and prioritise her mental health instead of pushing through changed the game. It wasn’t just about medals; it was about mental well-being. And that’s huge.
This bold move inspired other gymnasts like Joscelyn Roberson and Laurie Hernandez to share their own battles with the twisties. Because of Simone, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee beefed up mental health support for athletes at the Paris Games. Talk about a legacy!
“The First Simone Biles”
With five unique moves named after her, she’s practically written her own chapter in the gymnastics manual. Her influence has drawn countless young black girls into the sport, and her spirit is nothing short of legendary.
Despite a few physical hiccups in Paris – think heavily strapped legs and a bit of a limp – Simone’s still in the game. Her coach says it’s minor, and she’s ready to dazzle us with her magic on the mat.
After Tokyo, Simone took some much-needed downtime, easing back into the gym with gentle trampoline sessions before ramping up to full-throttle training in 2023.
Her comeback tour has been epic, snagging her sixth all-around world championship and ninth all-around US championship. Now, at 27, she’s poised to become the oldest woman to win Olympic all-around gold since 1952 – proving age is just a number when you’re this awesome.
Calling Paris her “redemption tour,” Simone is on a mission. She’s more relaxed, often seen cracking jokes and sharing laughs with her teammates. She’s determined to end her career on her terms, and her legacy as the GOAT is solid.
Simone Biles’ story is a testament to resilience, bravery, and the power of prioritising mental health. At Unruly Folk, we celebrate neurodivergence and the incredible strength it brings, and Simone is a shining example of this. Here’s to Simone – the ultimate champion, role model, and hero.
