Simone Biles, at just 26 years old, secured her eighth championship title. This is a milestone that not only solidifies her status as a gymnastics legend but also makes her the only gymnast in history to accomplish this remarkable feat. Behind this incredible achievement, however, lies a past marred by trauma and challenges that would have broken many. Just like Simone Biles, there’s another champion who has made history in the world of sports, particularly in Formula One.
While Lewis Hamilton may not have faced challenges similar to Biles, he too has navigated through dark days and emerged stronger than ever. Simone Biles, at the National Championships, carried with her one mantra that reverberated as a clear message to all. The words “But Still I Rise” were emblazoned on her leotard. What’s more, her family, standing by her side in unwavering support, sported the same message proudly on their T-shirts. Recently, Simone Biles shed light on the reason behind this mantra.
Simone Biles on why she used?Lewis Hamilton?s 3-Word Mantra
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In an interview at the Post-Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships Press Conference, Biles was asked, “Simone, on both nights we’ve seen you have ?but still I rise? on your Leo can you tell us about what that means to you and the decision to put on your Leo?” She replied, “Yes so um that was actually GK’s decision I do have the tattoo here on my chest and I got it in I think 2020 just because I’ve been through so much in gymnastics out of gymnastics.”
She continued, “It was just a good reminder for myself that every day whenever I look in the mirror I can see that and I think every day whenever I look at it I’m like ‘yes’ I get up I do whatever I need to do and it’s just a good reminder for myself to have so that’s why we chose to put it on the Leo so if the little ones um buy the Leo they can have it too and just feel like oh I feel like Simone Biles or whatever so I think it was just a nice addition”.? Biles’ words took everyone back to the days when the world witnessed her grappling with trauma and challenges.
All the trauma all her past
Biles’ life journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Born to Shanon Biles, who struggled with addiction, Biles and her sister, Adria Biles, were adopted by their grandparents, Ronald Biles and Nellie Biles, whom she now considers her parents. The Tokyo Olympics brought a new challenge in the form of the dreaded “Twisties,” a mental block experienced by gymnasts. Additionally, Biles’s courageous testimony during the Larry Nassar trial shed light on the horrors of systematic abuse faced by gymnasts over decades.
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But above it all, Biles has risen like a phoenix, inspiring the world with her resilience. Similar to Biles, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has frequently used the phrase “Still I Rise” as a source of inspiration. He has engraved it on his helmet and shared it on his social media posts. This phrase, derived from a poem by Maya Angelou, holds deep significance for Hamilton. It reflects his admiration for his brother, Nicholas Hamilton, who has cerebral palsy, and the inspiration he draws from Tupac Shakur’s words. Simone Biles herself has mentioned her admiration for Hamilton several times, establishing a mutual respect between the two sporting greats.
Read More: ?Kinda Nosy?: Despite Vocal Nature, Simone Biles Shuts Down Questions on Pressing Private Matter
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In the world of sports, triumphs and tribulations often go hand in hand.? Biles and Lewis Hamilton, though from different worlds, share a message of hope that resonates across the boundaries of sports.
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