“Why am I here? What am I doing?” Simone Biles candidly shared her struggles with adapting to changes upon returning to the gym after a two-year break.
Simone Biles’ gymnastics career has been truly remarkable, highlighted by her tally of 11 Olympic and 30 World Championships medals. During a 2018 interview, Biles discussed the challenges she faced when returning to competition after nearly two years away following her performance at the Rio Olympics.
At 16 years old, she debuted at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. She won four gold medals—in team events, all-around competitions, vaults, and floor exercises—and secured a bronze medal on the balance beam.
Her remarkable series of victories in Brazil brought her substantial popularity and opened up new opportunities. However, the flurry of activities compelled her to stay away from the gym for two years.
Between her appearance at the 2016 Rio Games and her comeback at the 2018 U.S. Classic, Biles co-authored her autobiography *Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance* with journalist Michelle Burford.
The American favorite also appeared on the 24th season of Dancing With The Stars, paired with professional dancer Sasha. They achieved a fourth-place finish. In a 2018 interview with The Guardian discussing her return, Biles shared her thoughts on overcoming mental and physical challenges during this transitional period.
In 2024, Simone Biles shared her thoughts on mental health, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique. She expressed that she does not see herself as a definitive example but remains dedicated to supporting those facing mental health challenges.
Following her participation in the Tokyo Games, Biles became an outspoken advocate for mental health care. She withdrew from competing in the final round to prioritize her well-being.
