Simone Biles: Meet the athlete

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the eyes of the world will be on Simone Biles as she looks for a bit of redemption following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With 37 world and Olympic medals in tow, Biles is already the most decorated gymnast of all time, but can further cement her status as the 'GOAT' with a strong showing in Paris. 

Get to know a little more about the gold medal-winning superstar gymnast.

How tall is Simone Biles?

At 4-foot-8, Simone Biles is one of the shortest gymnasts on the U.S. national team.

Where is Simone Biles from?

Simone Biles was born in Columbus, Ohio but moved to Spring, Texas at age three when she and her siblings were placed in foster care. Biles was raised by her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles and was officially adopted when she was six. 

How old was Simone Biles when she started gymnastics?

Simone Biles started gymnastics at age six after taking a day care field trip to Bannon's Gymnastix in Houston, Texas. Biles caught the eye of a coach, who encouraged her to sign up for gymnastics classes. The rest is history! 

What is Simone Biles’ best event?

While Simone Biles excels in all four events, she is particularly dominate on the floor exercise. Biles won gold on floor at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is a six-time world champion in the event. 

SEE MORE: 2019 Worlds: Simone Biles hits 'Biles II' in floor qualifier

How many moves are named after Simone Biles?

Simone Biles currently has five skills named after her in the Code of Points. Gymnasts can get a skill named after them if they are the first to perform it in a major international competition.

Vault

• Biles: A roundoff with a half-twist onto the vaulting table and a front double full somersault off (2018 World Championships)
• Biles II: A Yurchenko style vault with two flips in a pike position (2023 World Championships)

Beam

• Biles: A double-double dismount from the balance beam — which consists of two flips and two twists (2019 World Championships) 

Floor

• Biles: Double layout with a half-twist in the second flip (2013 World Championships) 
• Biles II: A triple-double — which consists of two flips and three twists (2019 World Championships) 

Who is Simone Biles' husband?

Simone Biles married professional American football player Jonathan Owens on April 22, 2023. Owens has played for the Houston Texas and Green Bay Packers, and recently signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears on March 13, 2024. 

What is Simone Biles' nickname?

Simone Biles is often referred to as the 'GOAT' which stands for 'Greatest Of All Time.' Biles earned the nickname through her dominant performances over the last decade. 

At the 2023 World Championships, Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history — man or woman — with 37 world and Olympic medals. Biles is also the only American gymnast in history to win eight national titles. 

SEE MORE: Simone Biles: Career highlights