Simone Biles Debunks Every Gymnastics Myth | Glamour

Our Digital Cover star and Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles responds to popular misconceptions and assumptions about gymnastics and the athletes who participate in the sport. Do gymnastics really stunt your growth? Do gymnasts constantly have wedgies in their uniforms? Find out what myths are false and which ones ring true as Simone sets out clear the air.
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Simone Biles Debunks Every Gymnastics Myth | Glamour

[@mtak160]

it’s so funny that gymnastics isn’t considered a sport by so many when gymnastics really requires more athleticism than so many sports

[@wabdih]

I didn't even know that it was something that was argued. Obviously its a sport

[@com.passionatebitch]

@Li La I think it's because gymnasts make it look so easy especially bc they learn at a young age, but still it takes daily practice and honing. Lol one post even said the skills come naturally. 😂 That dumbass prolly hasn't done anyhing close to a backflip.

[@corycybulski961]

i play basketball pretty decent... pretty good on the football field..horrible on the baseball field but i do a good job standing in the outfield doing nothing... dont ask me to backflip...or anything she does... my bones wanna cry thinking about it.

[@blackmooncultx9552]

This is so dang true. This youtube comment should be bolded somehow for all to see lol

[@mical2great]

A sport can't be judged. A sport has a scoring system or a race to see who wins. Being in shape doesn't make it a sport

[@Itstonytime77]

“My goal isn’t to win…it just happens” my favorite line

[@josiefa5852]

Yet she always has this pissed off face when she falls or is out of bounds.

[@helen3132]

@@josiefa5852 it could be because she wants to win, but also she might just be self motivated. She might just be a perfectionist and wants to do her best.

[@EmpressLishy]

@@josiefa5852 You don't have to want to win to be pissed off at yourself when you screw up.

[@Tarikkb]

@@josiefa5852 I think it’s more about failing on a skill that she’s a master at , and she wants to do her best but not because she wants to win it’s because she wants feel fulfilled with what she has done even if that means no medals

[@zorif6495]

@@josiefa5852 anyone would be disappointed if they make a mistake it doesn’t necessarily mean they want to win all the time

[@clairel178]

“I don’t wanna die, I just wanna jump off” that’s such a mood

[@ttttg5302]

I have it like her too It might also be OCD

[@imfrenchsilkpie7607]

@@ttttg5302 no it's probably intrusive thoughts, I also have ADHD (she does to) and intrusive thoughts are common with it, I have the same thought as what she said

[@ttttg5302]

@@imfrenchsilkpie7607 Oh interesting, I have ADHD too, and when I was younger I had an outbreak of OCD for a very little period of time, I healed now That's the only thing I get, do you think it's common with ADHD?

[@imfrenchsilkpie7607]

@@ttttg5302 very, epically if you go off of your meds for the first time in a long time/haven't been on them yet

[@amy_harris_kiama]

Why do dancers that ALWAYS get lifted literally want to jump off of everything. Like, I was on the second floor of my dance studio, and I wanted to climb on the railing and jump down

[@cultureshock72]

Man it's really sad that her sister quit because of what other people said about her being TOO good. They could have been the gymnastics versions of Venus and Serena

[@BluDrop5]

I was JUST thinking that!

[@shsluwu8256]

i think if i was her sister i'd quit too if people were saying like 'oh shes worse than her sister' thats obvi not her fault but if it was me i wouldnt want to be constantly compared to my siblings

[@vivektammana8845]

people compare no matter what. You just compared them with the Williams sisters.

[@Just_AnotherOlivia]

@@BluDrop5 when did she say that?

[@danceforeverkid]

I agree Joan!

[@VictoriaWhitlock]

“Sometimes I get lost in the air.” Imagine being midair and you lose all perspective. So you just keep flying until you land somewhere.

[@tristantsang4325]

Happens all the time especially with bigger tricks that you’re not familiar with lmao. One time I tried to do a side flip off a ramp but blocked too much and ended up not travelling far enough, got lost in the air and then ended smacking my face against the edge of the ramp

[@jncc1701]

Ouch 🤕

[@alexskocic8379]

Happens sometimes, it comes with the territory🤷🏽‍♀️I’ve had my fair share of faceplants and falls onto my head throughout my career

[@alexskocic8379]

As you get better air awareness, there’s ways to protect yourself when you get lost. Ex, keeping your hands in front of you so you don’t use them to stop yourself, try to make it to your back, and try to over rotate, it always ends better than under rotating

[@nosirrahm]

Land somewhere hard.

[@tinamarie8061]

The fact that 6 or 7 is starting “late in life” explains why retiring at 22-23 is a “long career” lol

[@liliangonzalez567]

I started at 9 and it’s crazy to see literal 7 year olds doing double twists and giants.

[@littlepowerpuff]

so true and such a good point

[@jadajo2321]

i’m just now starting and i’m 14…

[@ezeffable]

@@sadie_n I go put iIiii box ba usa p VM

[@tajlyons9452]

i wish i learnt it when i was a kid... I'm now 20 and reminisce on what could've been :(

[@Lou-C]

“Whenever you're at the top, everybody preys on your downfall, which is strange to me” -Simone Biles

[@nightlydevil]

Prays

[@user-dx3jg6er1m]

@@nightlydevil it's "preys" lol

[@nightlydevil]

@@user-dx3jg6er1m No, it's not. Turn on CC. "Preys on" means to hunt something. "Prays on" is the same as "prays for." She's saying people are praying on/for her downfall.

[@researchproducer151]

well this certainly came true for her

[@PneumaNoose]

@@nightlydevil No, it’s preys. The CC is wrong (which is extremely common as I watch everything with CC). The meaning of the phrase “preys on” or more commonly “preys upon” refers to hunting down weakness. They’re waiting for any slip up, any sign of weakness in which they can prey upon to take her down. It’s 100% prey. Kudos to the OP for getting that right.

[@FaliggetFTW]

"Gymnasts retire young" "That's not true... they usually retire at 22-23." Girl. Did you just try to say 23 years old isn't young???

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Thank you lol even ballet dancers have more longevity!

[@xoidparhsin]

if they’ve done it since like 4 years old that’s not really young ☠️

[@ethanxile4627]

@@xoidparhsin well a lot players in sports start at a very young age but retire in their late 30s.

[@karind7513]

26 and counting........😍

[@andrewnix6480]

It must be sarcasm :p

[@OhHeyNormsssssss]

Simone: I’m actually not that competitive at all Me: babe… that’s cuz you have no competition 😂

[@Kristrea]

🤣🤣

[@rhemy1]

So true

[@debbieschmidt7794]

LOL

[@swtlikecndy4119]

Omg this is so true!! 😂

[@aftertheintro]

Peryat! Just trying her best and still sweeping the floor

[@RandomShowerThoughts]

Gymnastics is 10000000% a sport, ridiculous that people actually think it’s not. It looks insane

[@mackenzieerin2305]

Ryan M mainly men I see it all the time

[@LandonMetochoi]

@@mackenzieerin2305 You definitely do NOT see it all the time. The fact that two people on twitter say something doesn't mean it's a real opinion. Stop man-hating.

[@mackenzieerin2305]

Landon Metochos I do see it all the time and no I won’t stop man hating it runs in my blood. Smd

[@LandonMetochoi]

@@mackenzieerin2305 What a ghastly reply. I'm literally sad for you.

[@our_illumination949]

@@LandonMetochoi modern feminism, once they finally get equality, they start going against men for simply existing. Funny how we respect women because "what if it was our mother?" but when its about women respecting men, it seems they don't care about their fathers.

[@ayme5868]

“Starting gymnastics at 6 or 7 is already pretty late” Me, a high-schooler, interested in taking up gymnastics: 😃

[@brrl605]

you still have time!! you can do it!!

[@TomasJansen05]

Just do it if you want to and don't care about being the best

[@TomasJansen05]

@@coneyislandqueen444 then don't do it when you're on your period

[@oqeufh]

You might not reach competitive level but if you can and you want to then go for it. It can still be a fun experience.

[@MrCmon113]

Perfectly fine to do a sport without becoming professional. I plan to try out new sports until I die.

[@ayaduhh]

People who say gymnastics isn’t a sport can’t even stay balanced on a balance beam.

[@kimharris2056]

How about walk on a straight line.

[@nataliainoa503]

cant touch their knees

[@woozy2773]

I am a gymnast and this one guy in my class who does hockey and lacrosse was like " gYmNaStIcS iSnT eVeN a SpOrT" but he can't even do a cartwheel to begin with🤡✋

[@ar-rumaysaahajar123]

First of all, gymnastics is a short because it involves exercise and flexibility

[@captainmycaptain8334]

@@ar-rumaysaahajar123 even if it required no exercise ( esports) by definition a sport simply means a competitive activity (chess) there are plenty of "sports" that dont really fit in with very physical activities and simply because they are in competitive format

[@Scatach7]

My goal is never to win, it just happens 🤣 What a queen

[@octagontowers4267]

Lol! Yeah, she said that so casually, and I'm like, Yeaahh... Not everyone can say that sweetie, lol!

[@sineadq]

Fax lmao

[@kennethjames1837]

Ikr

[@x.a.n.a.9397]

What a play by Simp

[@09denty]

Boss status

[@k_drive]

wow her honesty is so refreshing, like she's clearly not uncomfortable saying what comes to mind and she's not questioning herself after she says it.

[@EG-ww4bz]

HER BROTHER KILLED PEOPLE AND THEY LET HIM GO BECAUSE OF HER!

[@jaquelinemendes1879]

@@EG-ww4bz why are there always idiots like you to disturb there all you should do something useful instead of chasing good people maybe one day I can get to her feet.😂😂

[@YahsGlory]

@@EG-ww4bz 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@somethinlikaphenom]

@@EG-ww4bz that has nothing to do with her. Keep it moving

[@askeladd6115]

@@EG-ww4bz that still wasn’t her fault.

[@carolethorn3211]

She's simply the rare "real thing". I don't think there is any affectation or falsness to her. I think she's being totally authentic about her decision to drop out. She is impressive in so many different ways.

[@beactivebehappy9894]

This girl got literally Olympic medals and a tattoo so she can’t quit due to Incompetence… People blaming her for quitting should really Research about the stigma that they have internalised about mental health

[@pronglet17]

I like that she wasn't trying to debunk everything. Just brutal honesty. It's nice to see that in a famous person.

[@pronglet17]

@Joan Brown Don't tell me who I am allowed to put on a pedestal? Everyone can have their own role models mate.

[@soffe6781]

@Joan Brown wait are you saying she is not famous?

[@eggmcguffin4794]

@Joan Brown because she's an Olympic gold medalist and people across the globe have heard about her on radio or seen her on television

[@crazy_pyromaniac]

@Joan Brown Famous: _adjective_ Known by many people. That’s all Snow Man was saying about Simone when he called her famous. She’s known across America, and across the world.

[@abrielrobertsson4160]

Not so honest at 6:24 😕.

[@Ealsante]

Do people think gymnastics is not a sport just because you're not chasing a ball around or something? I mean, freaking look at that training.

[@melindayang4718]

By that philosophy swimming isn’t a sport, no ball

[@theoneandonlyCatseye]

I think it's because it's not a game. That's my theory. They still think of it as "athletics", but the label sports tends to be associated with games with balls.

[@ashleyydong]

this comment.

[@vio3366]

I have only heard that comment about rhythmic gymnastics, and even at least to me rhythmic gymnastics is a sport let along artistic gymnastics

[@Melza01]

Her muscles and physic speak for itself.

[@dionysus9876]

I love how thoughtful she is with every question. Her inner confidence just radiates!

[@niewieder99]

As an ex competitive gymnast, this all rings true! Thanks for shining a light on some of the struggles but also how amazing a sport (Yes. Sport.) this is Simone!

[@islaewm2850]

nice pun!

[@XOKaylaCrosby]

I love how kind she seems to be. Like I’ve never seen an article that she was mean person or a rude person. She helps other girls, she congratulates them, she just seems so nice.

[@mariaellis2882]

I know. I love how she’s always smiling when she competes. She’s a very sweet, intelligent young lady.

[@SS-fb5ve]

@@jim6070 what does her crazy brother have to do with her being kind? She’s not her brother therefore not responsible for his actions.

[@ana.eduard1493]

@@jim6070 you dont choose your family

[@annayuqi1057]

i am being honest 100% i met her hike training in Houston Texas at the ranch in 2011 and she was SOOO nice and she is funny as well ❤️❤️❤️ doesn’t seem like she has changed much ❤️❤️❤️

[@danielleosullivan3985]

@@jim6070 Simone did make a comment at the time of the incident, sympathising with the families involved. Her brother has since been acquitted of the charges due to lack of evidence, which is perhaps what prompted this comment. Simone is in no way responsible for the actions of anyone else. She is an incredible athlete, advocate and person and should be judged on her own merits, rather than anyone else’s.

[@ponybrown13]

You can tell she doesn’t mess around. Poised, unfazed, intelligent.

[@EG-ww4bz]

HER BROTHER MURDERED PEOPLE AND THE JUDGE LET HIM GO BECAUSE OF SIMONE!

[@archiveofyass]

@@EG-ww4bz Can you not.?

[@nellae9101]

@@EG-ww4bz that's actually not a fact that's the opinion of the mother of the victim and yourself and anyone else who thinks like y'all.....but the judge dismissed the case based on lack of evidence so they can't prove he killed anyone therefore there's a chance he didn't kill anyone and maybe he did but they can't prove it....either way your innocent until proven quilty. You can share your opinions but unity it's proven which according to the d.a the judge they can't prove he killed anyone so you are just t sharing not one fact. And I sharing as a non bias perspective Im no fan of anyone I just watch what pops up and read comments sometimes I saw your comment and it's not true....but good for you on sharing your thoughts.

[@jaquelinemendes1879]

@@EG-ww4bz why are there always idiots like you to disturb there all you should do something useful instead of chasing good people maybe one day I can get to her feet.😂😂

[@duchess2412]

@@EG-ww4bz and your mama’s bold headed 😒

[@RockandRollsince1992]

Gymnastics is probably the sportiest sport, you need all the skills your body has to offer.

[@watchiingunow618]

the sportiest sport?? 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@scottmescudi3423]

Never took an interest in gymnastics but I have to respect her honesty, that’s rare nowadays unfortunately especially among “celebrities”.

[@moncsa80]

I don't get how people wouldn't consider gymnastics a sport, and assume that was just a random troll question... You have to have power, strength, flexibility, speed, stamina... basically everything combined. Yeah they look pretty and artistic but the physical requirements to do it, and do it on this level is quite insane.

[@chaeyoungsbestie414]

I think when people think of sports traditionally, they either think of team sports (basketball, soccer, baseball, etc) or sports where scoring is dependent on a points-based system (tennis, golf, etc). Or perhaps, like with track or swimming, who gets somewhere faster. With sports like gymnastics, diving, or figure skating, people may have a hard time associating it with sport because it’s about executing a skill to the highest possible degree to as much as your routine would allow. I remember watching figure skating with my dad and he was so confused as to what was being graded or what made a routine “better,” while with something like a race or archery, it’s a lot more intuitive.

[@zeriyx]

america's big three sports are all about teams and teamwork. sure, when gymnasts go overseas, they compete as a team, but that's not really a thing here, for the most part. some people probably just conflate sports with teams.

[@ooflalabish4572]

To me it feels like it has to do with mysogny. Many sports where it's female dominated aren't really considered to be sports unfortunately.

[@Modelqaibottle]

Right? If that troll didn’t think it was a sport then they should try gymnastics and see how tough it is!

[@mmendoza0381]

Ikr

[@kristeentabanera1115]

It’s refreshing to hear that she was never really depressed. Being in that world is insane and I can tell her parents prioritized her being a person rather than just a gymnast they have to make successful or famous. Love that!

[@HereForFun98]

Her book is really good. Her parents seemed very supportive and encouraging.

[@indakgalak]

She seems to have amazing (adoptive) parents who really loves on her and her sister and I’m sure it helps tremendously in her mental health!❤️

[@HereForFun98]

@@indakgalak definitely! But they were her grandparents so I believe she now just says her. “Parents”

[@murasakino101]

Especially after everything the gymnasts have been through. She's strong and very inspirational

[@taylor2735]

@@indakgalak why did you feel the need to add adoptive? Simone being adoptive doesn’t change anything.

[@goldyolvidobaroa]

Can we also talk how this world put a toll on her sister and ruined her potential...people are mean.

[@tessacyclone6329]

Yeah there was room for both of them . The world and society sure is cruel

[@goldyolvidobaroa]

@@tessacyclone6329 couldn't agree more

[@summersimonton3440]

Thank you Simone for being so honest and open & answering questions probably most of us have wondered. You are such a great role model. Love you.

[@Rachel-ez5jg]

Imagine trying to tell Simone biles that gymnastics isn't a sport

[@anthonygordon9483]

When she said that. My instant reaction was she had to be at a bar with a bunch of drunk white guys.

[@nou4591]

@@anthonygordon9483 why does it have to be white people? She could’ve been at a planned parenthood or a liquor store and heard a black girl say that.

[@anthonygordon9483]

@@nou4591 Black people don't hate on other Black people if they are a rare breed in that sport. She is the first popular black gymanist, it doesn't make sense for black people to hate on our own people who are breaking grounds and culture to inspire other black kids to exceed. We've never done that historically and we wont do it now. We hope they excel in that sport especially if they are a minority. Golf isn't even a popular sport amongst blacks yet we still rooted for tiger cause there aren't a lot of black golfers. And white people have a known tendency to troll a lot . We don't do that especially for black pioneers in sports of any kind.

[@nou4591]

@@anthonygordon9483 nice story, sad you’re racist against whites. Nobody likes a racist like you

[@theranck8882]

imagine walking up to Simone Biles to tell her she's not an athlete cause gymnastics isn't a sport.

[@jaimeejude21]

I really like the opportunity to see more of her personality in a relaxed setting here. What a boss

[@Ailieorz]

Absolute GOAT

[@brendamosley1549]

Liked the way she explained gymnastics. She's great

[@girlofanimation]

I love her honesty. So relatable, and she just tells it like it is. I appreciate that. Also, can we all agree that she's gorgeous?

[@zache3818]

This answer about never being depressed and always happy I guess has changed in the past month. Hope the best for her and selfishly hope to see her competing soon my 4 year old does gymnastics and gets so excited every time she sees Simone on tv. It’s a lot of pressure for anyone I don’t know why they just say a lot of pressure for a 20 year old. I’m 35 and competed in basketball/baseball thru college but it’s different with all eyes on her and expecting greatness every time

[@sandiloftis3180]

This woman is the epitome of what a champion looks like. She is strong, dedicated, confident, giving to others, graceful, she is beautiful!

[@WizKhalia13]

@s midnight maybe she looks impressive because she is.

[@HB-ey2dk]

@s midnight what an odd thing to reply to this positive comment. Who cares if she's muscular or not?

[@elise21793]

Yes she is all this. But no a champion must not be beautiful, that is not a beauty contest

[@sandiloftis3180]

Elise beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. No beauty contest intended she is beautiful.

[@xstorm_8_shadowx]

With a strong “chin” and interesting jaw structure.

[@Denise-ot5mo]

The only people who think gymnastics is not a sport are the ones who have never exercised a day in their lives. It's probably the hardest sports to master. You have to master moving your body in unnatural ways while making it look easy.

[@alexh9865]

its hockey players and football players for guys

[@JG-nx3jg]

@@alexh9865 hockey?!

[@jas2994]

@@alexh9865 hold up do you flips, splits, really high jumps, swing around a bar, and balance on a beam that’s the width of your foot in hockey and football?

[@helpimconstipated]

Yes! I used to do gymnastics and it was very hard to get the moves down. My teacher was really strict to the point where I almost cried. People are underestimating gymnastics because you’re not throwing or running and they don’t see it as a hard sport.

[@nathanemslie9972]

I think gymnastics is the hardest sport technically and it requires so many different physical attributes. Plus there’s the fear factor. To 5 for sure, but I think you have to be tougher in boxing or long distance running. And I say that as a gymnast.

[@annafryxell1465]

As a gymnast myself, I agree with a lot of Biles' answers (and answers will vary depending on who you ask). I do think, however, that some answers were specific to elite gymnasts. For instance, I practice at community education and it was not expensive, and if your goal is to get to ~level 6 then starting at age 9 is not that old.

[@lizdavis5205]

Keep mastering the difficulty in your routines as this is your gift. Originality! A star doesn’t need to be told to shine, you just do! Your professionalism speaks volumes! Thanks.

[@simplyolivia4896]

“Gymnasts have a short career” Simone: “that’s not true.. we retire when we are 22-23”

[@ashchaya3491]

Haha yeah I had to play that back to make sure I heard it right.

[@j022082p]

Yep!

[@JP-mb3nx]

That's a short career, lol!

[@DeeMaliqueLee]

@@JP-mb3nx Not if you start at 2 years old 😂

[@ashchaya3491]

@@DeeMaliqueLee You think their *careers* start at age 2? 😂

[@windsorkid7069]

I've never seen her with her hair down and dressed casually. She's gorgeous.

[@CoachJulie193]

Follow her on ig. She always has her hair down and is dressed causally

[@dueldab2117]

It’s not “her” hair. It’s Asian hair she bought and has it glued on her head.

[@user-gv7px1dt9g]

@@dueldab2117 still gorgeous 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sashad1076]

@@dueldab2117 Even without it she’s gorgeous. This was a look that Glamour created for her photo/cover shoot with them. Many people wear extensions for a glam look.

[@wade13murphy]

@@dueldab2117 they don't want to hear this.

[@jct4294]

The fact that people say it's 'not fair' that they keep winning, is such a dumb statement to make 😒 Win then if you have an issue about it kmt

[@Amalgam86]

She is a picture of beauty and grace, also so eloquent and composed! Such a pleasure to listen to Simone's interviews!

[@graceygrumble]

If she thinks she's 'not flexible', then on her scale of flexibility, I'd be a statue!

[@Sanas_Shy_Language]

She does a lot more power and balance related moves than flexibility based ones, so she could be less flexible than the average gymnast-

[@memydogsandi]

"Not flexible for a gymnast"... gymnasts have different standards of flexibility.

[@halcyonacoustic7366]

@@Galimah That's not a very nice way to put it. Anyway, Simone has had to push back against people saying she's not "graceful" enough her whole life. And some of those criticisms are low-key racist.

[@Galimah]

@@halcyonacoustic7366 Gymnastic have changed alot.

[@Galimah]

@@halcyonacoustic7366 Check this out if you suggest something i am NOT. So smooth and beautiful. just too bad she didn´t kept 100% balance. /watch?v=n61jqn-oFoA

[@jaymsantiago]

This ain’t a sport?! Her body begs to differ. Y’all be hating

[@rachelb7589]

Anyone who says that it isn’t a sport just begging for attention lol

[@lilpoohbear653]

who would even say that? this is s grueling sport!! She is awesome

[@user-fz1mx1ld6q]

I mean maybe they wrote it to hear what she think sof it... And it asks for MISconceptions

[@Nora-cz1iv]

@@user-fz1mx1ld6q yeah but a lot of people actually do think it’s not a sport which is super dumb and annoying 😩🤚🏻

[@Maureen-MO]

Her flips, agility, precision and outcome begs to differ.

[@destinyaguinaldo16]

I love how she said "Everyone struggles with body image issues" which is super true. Nobody is 100% happy with their body all the time. Fat girls want to be skinny, lanky girls want to have a little more weight, and average body girls wish they had a Barbie doll figure

[@lizslilcorneroftheinstitution]

I love this! Not because it’s Simone biles the gymnast, but because it’s Simone being Simone. I love that she’s a top level athlete who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself even when it is extremely hard to do!!

[@ytrando12312]

“My goal is never to win, it just kind of happens” and that’s on the Goat

[@samboy1406]

focus on the process and the win comes naturally

[@AmiManus-pl8kt]

If you go into a game thinking you should win you’ve already lost. If you go into a game thinking you should learn something, you’ve already WON!

[@leydarodriguez-candelaria8281]

“Gymnasts retire early and have short careers” “That’s not exactly true, most of us retire at 22” 😂😂😂

[@denimchicken104]

So many of these, she basically just says “no”, then proceeds to explain exactly why they were true lol

[@Kernel15]

​@@denimchicken104 The average age at international comps has been trending up in the last two decades or so, if I'm not mistaken. Chuso is 46 and she's going for her 8th Olympics. It's a commonly accepted belief that gymnasts peak early, and might be the reason why some of them do (in addition to other factors - some get injured, some don't want the stress, some have already achieved everything they set out to), but that doesn't necessarily mean it's true. It also seems like it's becoming more accepted that (relatively) older gymnasts can still perform well at top level competition.

[@sarcasticismyname1163]

@@Kernel15 Oksana and Chellsie are big names in this area nowadays. In past years, there was Anna Li, an alternate for the 2012 Olympics who got back into elite as soon as she finished up college. Similarly, Mohini Bhardwaj went back to elite after college and become team captain for the 2004 olympics. And then there was Catalina Ponor who was around 28 at her 3rd Olympics in 2016.

[@hadriangonzalez607]

I mean can you really say she's had a short career if she's been doing it since 6.. sure in a traditional nine to five it is short but for a sport, her answer has merit.

[@TxHoneyBee]

Consider that at 22, they may have been doing gymnastics at an intense, semi-pro level for TWENTY YEARS already. I wouldn't call that an 'early' retirement.

[@bossbear7187]

ive never heard a boss flex like..."I dont really try to win, it kinda just happens". I love it.

[@msp_isyourteacher6139]

Very good insight! I grew up with Ron and I am so excited for you with his next adventure! I love how you are so honest and a great role model!

[@lauvasquez7198]

How can someone see their muscles, the jumps, flips, spins, etc. and not think gymnastics is a sport?! WTF? Is that a real misconception?

[@adamharper8456]

I'm a male gymnast and I get that gymnastics isn't a sport a ton then I do a backflip and everyone shuts up

[@felixlynch7327]

Same way as darts or shooting are considered a sport

[@user-or5rq6fk1x]

I heard the same people say that skateboarding and horseback riding isn’t a sport 😩

[@felixlynch7327]

@@user-or5rq6fk1x skateboarding is a sport? guess we could add finger skateboarding to the list aswell lol

[@raymonds7492]

Some people think of sports as being fast paced and directly competitive. I just think if you sweat a lot it’s a sport. So golf isn’t a sport.

[@shanilbahadur7546]

To get to the level she's at and dominate the way she does is insane. Like she said, gotta start really young and its highly competitive. Injury is the number one destroyer of a promising career

[@fitnessandfoodover4085]

True. Simone has been fortunate that she's never had a major sidelining injury. I think this has to do with her personal strength but also how she was coached and developed by Aimee Boorman and now the Landis. It's sad to think of how many promising careers were cut short by overtraining, trying to do skills that were too difficult too soon, early burnout, or just outright abusive coaching practices.

[@shanilbahadur7546]

@@fitnessandfoodover4085 , yep sad

[@pyrovania]

@@fitnessandfoodover4085 Also because she gets so much height she doesn't land short. landing short is horrible for your ankles.

[@OhHeyNormsssssss]

Seriously! It makes me wonder where she’d be at had she started in mommy and me classes.

[@bri-pf4wc]

i got a injury 13 weeks ago, and i stronger then ever. i can do almost do everything again in my gym. sooo.. i’m not sure about that all the time.

[@SelfLoveU]

LOVEEE her!!! So inspirational and she's also real.

[@1rage17]

I know she’s super smart too. She speaks so fast and eloquently in the media then during the chill interviews like this she seems so down to earth!

[@rosequartz4102]

Thank you for this video. I heard a lot of these same misconceptions when I did ballet.

[@duineeigeann1040]

“I don’t want to die, I just want to jump off” Simone 2021~

[@Nikifuj908]

I think it was Soren Kierkegaard who wrote that the scary thing about standing by a cliff is not the cliff itself, but the knowledge that you are free to walk off it if you choose. This is sometimes called "existential vertigo" (not to be confused with the medical condition).

[@elyseshires6314]

This was my fave quote

[@felixml919]

It's a phenomenon called "call of the void". It's pretty common

[@kreeativeme]

Felix Müller oh wow; nice to know that it’s not some crazy suicidal ideation.

[@emihovska7593]

In some cultures children are frequently told not to look down of a balcony or high places because the devil is waiting to pull them down. So it is not that unusual she is just aware of it and gracious enough to share it.

[@Maya_Waya]

It's such a shame that her sister quit gymnastics, they could've been the Venus and Serena of gymnastics

[@mintymilkyway8069]

Well I mean, she chose to.

[@hotonenickie]

That's what I said!

[@Joelise1000]

Yess!!

[@emilypatenaude4700]

@Lucy Mwangi She says she quit because of the pressure and this comment is literally just pressure what are you talking about 😂

[@skydestruction4209]

Lots of great athletes quit because of pressure. Maybe if they didn't treat them like breeding sows they wouldn't.

[@carmelhelen5102]

I love your full rounded answers to these questions, your honesty and non complicated replys add to your intergity ❤❤NZ

[@G-546]

I would say that compared to other sports gymnasts do have a short career. In sports like Football, Basketball, Soccer, and Hockey players play into their 30’s which is about 10 more years.

[@wandasoulmate]

yeah but like, as she says, they start RLLY young so I don’t think there’s a big gap

[@MoogieB]

If gymnastics isn’t a sport, what about golf? Bowling? Gun shooting? Archery? Hmmmm?

[@qiucher879]

Bowling is a sport, gymnastics is a sport, but archery is more of an activity that can also be very competitive. As for gun shooting, that’s definitely not a sport lol.

[@WangMotions]

@@qiucher879 isn’t archery in the olympics

[@lockheart619]

EXACTLLLYYYY

[@Emma-og1uk]

@@qiucher879 shootings a sport for sure.

[@laurencamila9024]

One of these things is not like the other

[@sir3958]

“Gymnastics is not a sport”….. yet is literally the most watched and talked about even in the Olympics. Wow the irony💀

[@ATinyWaffle]

It comes down to your definition of "sport." If a sport is a competition that requires athleticism, then a dance competition would fit that definition. Some people define a sport as having two or more opposing sides competing in a physical activity trying to gain or lose (golf) the most points to win. Is the 100 meter dash a sport? Or is it a race? Different interpretations of the language would give you different answers.

[@nalintina8376]

now-a-days unless its a predominantly male sport most sports are not classified as a sport for some people

[@ATinyWaffle]

@@nalintina8376 Is volleyball not a predominantly female sport? No one would not call volleyball a sport.

[@SeanSpencerr]

Yeah, I’d love for someone to provide a FORMAL DEFINITION of “sport” that blatantly excludes to components of gymnastics lol people are clowns

[@nalintina8376]

DEFINITION: “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Wow look at that it says individuals or teams competing against each-other for entertainment so gymnastics is a sport

[@yokaibyte2133]

In skateboarding, we believe being shorter is an advantage because of the lower center of gravity. Tho there are a lot of tall skaters that are amazing. Tony Hawk is the most well-known.

[@patmclean1951]

Simone you are such an incredible athlete. Stunning and articulate. Thanks for doing this you’re candid demeanour is amazing.

[@Harrystyles12369]

“I don’t wanna die, I just want to jump off” literally my exact thought everyday

[@chantalmoody4750]

I was literally looking for this comment 😂

[@windsorkid7069]

Her air time off the vault and floor routines is like falling off a tall building for normal people!😆

[@gregdahlen4375]

if she jumped off I guess she'd do flips and stuff as she fell

[@eurekay4484]

I just learned yesterday that this kind of thought has a name: the call of the void (l’appel du vide)

[@beepboop9692]

she’s a tiny ball of pure strength, athleticism and beauty holy crap she’s incredible

[@ranboosupermacy7055]

100th like!

[@Hessed3712]

I know right 😁.

[@ericbogar9665]

I always feel strong too when I quit on myself and my teammates.

[@lizzypelosof9689]

@@ericbogar9665 let us know when you go to the Olympics then :)

[@magsbayou]

@@ericbogar9665 Your comment makes me long for these athletes to begin creating their own platforms. This young lady has given many wins to the US and all America did was criticize her about everything. Perhaps we didn't deserve for her to compete for the US if we can't respect she made a decision for herself. If people can argue against masks to the detriment of their fellow citizens, she can decide if she needs to retire.

[@ricsantos4827]

That was a really cool and honest question and response session. What a great young lady!

[@charlafire]

I did gym when I was about 6 or 7 until I was 9. Then I got bored of it and only joined back when I was 11. I really regret the couple years of training and missed and always think of the skills I could have gotten in that time, but I’m living in the moment and glad to be doing it now. I’ve now been doing it for a year and am really enjoying this.

[@plantbasedeater1656]

Media puts so much pressure on her. It’s like she has to be perfect.

[@TheSteviebabes]

she's a quitter

[@daisiesandpandas1218]

@Stevie Holder Yup and there's nothing wrong with that, there are times you have to let go.

[@CazWitDaCash]

@@daisiesandpandas1218 look at Tony Ferguson and how much heart he has compared to Simon who quits when she can’t take Adderall

[@Telcontar1962]

Give me a break. She is under zero pressure. She's an exhibitionist looking for attention any way she can get it.

[@azzseu3540]

Didn’t she quit because she was losing lol

[@commonomics]

Lol how is gymnastics not a sport? It’s probably the hardest thing the human body can do.

[@bellaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAA]

Never swam a 1500 did ya

[@issasecretbuddy]

@@bellaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAA def respect swimmers. i've done both but i would not say it's harder than gymnastics. not easier either, mind you

[@bencollier1047]

@@issasecretbuddy I agree that gymnastics is harder as I feel to do even basic gymnastics you need to have talent when anyone can do basic swimming. To swim at an Olympic level is obviously very hard but don’t don’t feel it really compares to the stress and pain that the body goes through in gymnastics.

[@bellaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAA]

@@issasecretbuddy agrred. the only thing in gymnastics i can do is a cartwheel lol.

[@samuelandrzejewski4194]

Wrestling pushes the human limits of the body

[@kelvinsmallwood6315]

Thanks for revealing yourself & personality & debunking myths. Glad to have heard you. Go well 7 keep up with your cymnastics & don't worry about other peoples comments.

[@gilnairyhernandez9770]

How could people say is not a sport. Why? Because it doesn't have a ball? Ya'll are weird.

[@codename495]

I don’t understand how anyone can think Gymnastics isn’t a sport? If gymnastics isn’t a sport, Basketball isn’t even an activity.

[@raly1950]

I agree with that. And what makes me the most made mad is the football team and basketball team, in my school always tells me it's not a sport and it's super easy.

[@amo4253]

True

[@proj4122]

It was a troll

[@MD-722]

Because people aren't aware of why gymnastics or artistic-sports are sports. Gymnastics is a sport because it has a code of points, standardised scoring system and composition requirements (which are objective elements to be showcased in each exercise). But the problem is that far too few gymnasts, fans of the sport and seemingly even coaches are aware of the above, when questioned they all have different answers and the majority of them are incorrect. Meaning that if even those involved can't explain why gymnastics is a sport, of course those who aren't who think of it as being. Sports are sports because of their formats, and the format above is the format of all artistic-sports.

[@fitnessandfoodover4085]

People who think gymnastics is not a sport don't understand the way the sport is judged and how difficulty is determined. Same with ice skating.

[@metheanimallover]

Gymnastics is one of the hardest sports that exists, how can people even say gymnastics isn't a sport?? If gymnastics isn't a sport then football or basketball are child's play

[@cydy121]

Then people would consider cheerleading a sport and that's not going to happen even though it requires a few gymnastic moves. SMH

[@krittikabiswas8500]

@@cydy121 A few gymnastic moves don't make a cheerleader a gymnast .

[@fatimasamassekou3941]

@@krittikabiswas8500 truee

[@gregdahlen4375]

some of it might be that gymnasts are going for beauty in their routines as well as athleticism, so it makes it seem more like artistic expression than a sport

[@drew2462]

Child’s play is the wrong term to use, Gymnastics is definitely a sport but to say it’s harder than a sport like Football or Basketball is a bit much.

[@_noctivagus_]

I wanted to do gymnastics around 7 years old but the classes at my school were really early and my parents couldn't take me. After that I got into other stuff and now I'm too old by gymnastics standards to even think about it :D Fun to watch though

[@madisonbarnes7925]

Hey you can still start!! I started at 11 which is super late but I still am good! No matter how old you are you can start

[@CassieFable]

Girl, you are amazing. You're beautiful, smart and an amazing athlete. There is no reason you shouldn't be known as the Greatest Of All Time. Yes, you dropped out of most of your events at the '21 Olympics, but that doesn't meant you deserve the abuse you've been getting for it. At your age, I was still studying and could barely run for the bus without dying. I wish I had been put into gymnastics so I could do what you do, you amazing young woman!

[@deborahlim9497]

fun fact: the parents she talks about are actually her grandparents, she and her sister were raised by them

[@ChandraNYC]

They adopted them. #Parents

[@debbieschmidt7794]

Wow!! I didn't realize her sister was also an elite gymnast.

[@lioraustrian-jacobs6743]

@@debbieschmidt7794 You don't become elite until you pass level 10!

[@lenoralol9962]

@@ChandraNYC really?

[@pandagamers8568]

I didn’t know that either🤔

[@lifeofjonesi]

“Smiling doesn’t get you gold medals” is still Simone’s best quote✨

[@lifeofjonesi]

@Jagar Tharn well she said it herself, if she didn’t quit they wouldn’t have won a medal at all cuz she wasn’t at her 100% this year 🤷🏻‍♂️ but u can keep on whining behind ur phone screen abt a woman who’s a 27 time medalist (5 of them being Olympic medals) while u probably have 0 lol

[@lifeofjonesi]

@Jagar Tharn and also, smiling doesn’t get u gold medals 👌🏼

[@georgia-mn6pz]

@Jagar Tharn how did she give up? wow, shes not competing in one competition. it's not like shes shutting down her whole career.

[@banjo899]

@Jagar Tharn she does insane routines if her air safety gets thrown off bc of her mental health doing poorly she could literally die, people can call her a quitter but it’s better than her risking dying

[@libtardssuck4204]

Quitting doesn't either 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@tooba1819]

Spoken truth. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@sunflwerspirit9434]

"short n powerful like me" yes ma'am you are powerful 🤎

[@andrenewell9483]

At this point she should just introduce herself as Simone. Like Beyonce she is so good at what she does no other clarification is required.

[@avapitcher3004]

yupppp

[@gregdahlen4375]

I enjoyed her putting her last name on there cuz it was different than what other people do in the same situation

[@rubygross7684]

Well with the skill naming, having multiple “Biles”es I don’t think she could drop that.

[@charleneWL]

I agree !

[@Baepsae_Nation]

And yet her bf didn't know who she was xD

[@user-wk2hx1zh1y]

"Gymnastics is not a sport" *Sir, you cannot look at this woman and say bs like that*

[@DaphneHarridge]

A lot of people think anything that’s judged isn’t a sport: gymnastics, figure skating, twirling, dance, etc. I find those people annoying. 😜

[@iron4010]

and plus these gymnastics girls have more muscles than that man

[@ifeelsick258]

He might think it is more of art than a sport.

[@ayla8345]

It’s basically up to your parents. It’s so important to start early in life, and only your parents can make that decision for you. Ballett usually starts around 3/4 and most kids go because their parents sign them up for classes.

[@justthe3girls767]

I am so thankful that she did this for us in the gymnastics community because people always have stereotypes on what we have to look like to do gymnastics and more it’s just a lot of pressure and these people are adding onto it

[@Lovedhurtlost]

I hate that her sister quit over something like that.

[@hannaaad2512]

it's really sad

[@allsmilez13]

I hate that people taunted her sister over something like that.

[@cgkitti]

People are just jealous! Everyone needs to take a breath and step back.

[@crossfoot4612]

It is stressful. Look at Ohashi. But I mean if my younger sibling was Simon I’d be put under wayyyy more pressure than usual.

[@hotonenickie]

Jealousy! They could of been the Biles sister's killing the sport like the Williams sister's do tennis! We were robbed because of jealousy🤨🥴

[@briel8942]

I remember seeing her and her friends at a club once in Houston. I thought about fan girling & snagging some autographs, but they looked like they were enjoying themselves and I didn't want to disturb their fun so I didn't . (: Still a cool experience

[@48mavemiss2]

You’re so pretty!

[@tristaishmael3464]

That's so sweet, I feel like if she saw this she'd really appreciate it ❤️

[@iEmbarcadero]

Fine af

[@gregdahlen4375]

If I saw her I'd imagine her doing flips and stuff right there in the club

[@jennao5970]

Thank god she still goes out and has fun

[@ekaterinakornyushina7227]

She is adorable and a great champion. I like watching her performances although I love my Russian team too. I wish her great future in sport or whatever way she will choose. People like her inspire me to train ( I am not professional). They deserve to be respected even they at least participated in the Olympic Games not saying about those who got many medals

[@MrsJammer4]

I love 💗 this interview! 😊

[@eggled1566]

Myth: Gymnasts retire at a young age. Simone: False, near the end of our careers, we can always go to college at around the normal age and retire at the ripe old age of 23.

[@TheNonMakeupGuru]

That’s still a decade long career? Like a lot of them start at 3

[@jasminewilliams1673]

I think she meant the distinction between retire professionally to compete in college... in which u are still a gymnast. There was also a 40 year old gymnast for a couple olympics. Depends on how long u want to put up with training

[@jackycook64]

@@jasminewilliams1673Oksana Chusovitiana is a legend. She is 45 and will be competing in Tokyo her 8th Olympics. She has a great sense of humor too. At a Superstars of Gymnasts exhibition before she performed her bar routine she held up a sign for spectators to see. It read "I do not like bars". 😂

[@notthedoctor8621]

@@TheNonMakeupGuru that's still retiring v young

[@Ella-fv4hm]

@@jasminewilliams1673 yeah that’s very rare, most of the Olympic gymnasts compete twice in the olympics if they are lucky enough to

[@ashley9534]

I can’t believe people say gymnastics isn’t a sport. Look at their bodies. Look at what they do. I get out of breath just watching.

[@EBG...]

People think its only a sport if its team vs team

[@abbymarievlogs]

99th like!

[@covfefe1787]

she built like a man 🤣

[@ashley9534]

@@covfefe1787 she’s a beautiful woman

[@nosirrahm]

@@covfefe1787 she’s built like a woman with muscles.

[@recycledMilk]

She is so incredibly gorgeous, confident and strong! im glad kids nowadays get to grow up with her as their role model !

[@Provanity]

Definitely my favorite gymnast in the world. Besides being a legend at her sport, she competes with herself and not other gymnasts. I love that quality.

[@g3355gg]

Glamour: “Simone Biles debunks every gymnastics myth” Simone: “True, true, true”

[@Petitkaramela]

You clearly did not listen

[@Shutupbradley]

@@Petitkaramela theres always people like this

[@iamnotyu5548]

@@Petitkaramela clearly she did. she said true to everything except a couple questions that were obvious troll myths. no serious person actually believes gymnastics is not a sport. 2 of the ones she said wasnt true, she then inadvertently admitted were true. physique and age. so yes true true true and Hannah is spot on correct. the headline is a lie.

[@thedidact2050]

@@Petitkaramela Their were a significant amount of comments where she pretty much added on details on why that said comment is somewhat true. He listened very well.

[@noviceatthis9304]

Well if it's true then it isn't a myth now is it?

[@anniecummings6098]

“gymnastics aren’t a sport” bro look at her arms

[@fatimavences4090]

@@hailey7926 why?

[@VanessaNaomiR]

"I'm not afraid of heights, i'm just afraid of, if i'm somewhere high, i'm just gonna jump off" lol

[@hannahmaschner]

Her confidence and honesty blow my mind. She DGAF

[@gemmax4694]

There is people out there who think gymnastics isn’t a sport? Are they serious?

[@red2977]

Who the heck thinks that?

[@gemmax4694]

@@red2977 dunno. It is an assumption that she answers in the video

[@gemmax4694]

@@davidmontgomery1442 yeah I get some of it is objective in gymnastics. but gymnastics is based on level and technique. I don’t see how it could be in the same category as something like dancing that people commonly don’t see as a sport

[@user-ce6od9dk5m]

@@red2977 men 😐

[@red2977]

@@user-ce6od9dk5m Actually gymnastics was a male only sport for many years in the Olympics

[@cleogyrl]

"I don't want to die, I just want to jump off" is SO me 😂

[@LolaOpheliac]

@@countessofmontecristo3849 Ok, calm down.

[@pleezahful]

Yes. And the car door one

[@StephaniePerry]

@@countessofmontecristo3849 It's called the Call of the Void.

[@CatsAndPokemon]

omg she made me feel SO normal. why does that happen?? its almost like an impulsive thought what does it mean??? 😭😭

[@AngelGrl135]

I’ve always wondered why this feeling happens.

[@BiggiN483]

With some answers you can totally see she grew up in the sport. Her normal is a bit different😅 "you don't have to be flexible." jumps into a split. "you don't have to have a certain body type and you don't have to be small." Tallest gymnast acc. to her is 5"8 😅 And i think her overall definition of young and long career are a tiny bit different.

[@raenab1029]

You’re amazing, honest, and grounded. ❤️

[@mimi-du5tl]

I’ve never heard any truer words. People will praise you when you’re at the top and glorify every downfall. It’s like strict parents when their kids get a 98/100. Sure you’d want it to be perfect, but it doesn’t erase the effort you put in to it. Idk ppl are crazy sometimes, they criticize as if they can do things

[@ethelfleming4375]

I didn’t know she was 4’8. As a short person myself that makes me happy.

[@onecuriousowl]

I know, I always feel happy when I see an adult woman below 5 feet, makes me happy and not so alone.

[@AvgJane19]

Shortness is an advantage in gymnastics

[@arushisingh930]

representation 😎

[@cyyoung6351]

Too short, happy I’m taller than that.

[@artandgymnastics6208]

I am 10 and 3’9

[@bear4045]

Im so happy you pushed through and competed in the finals that was extremely courageous of you.

[@tiffanykuo4256]

I love how she answered to the best of her ability and honestly. I think she is very sincere But at the time she was young and in a bubble. Her answers now would be more accurate I bet. She was in such a bubble when she said, any body type can do it but then immediately said rare to see someone over 5'4" and that if you again 3 pounds it's hard to do bars. And when she made it sound like body image and pressure for a gymnast is just like for anyone else. I love how she talks about therapy here. I'm so glad she had a supportive family and coaches. I feel she was already very mature and thoughtful and sincere at this young age. In light of modern day, in addition she has grown up a lot and become more aware of life and herself and the world.

[@emma.s.1]

this was posted June 2021 it was only months ago…