“All Downhill From There”- Simone Biles Detailed the Harsh Reality of Gymnastics

In 2013, Simone Biles won her first World Championship medal ever and announced herself on the big stage. Three years later, she won four gold medals at the Rio Olympics and became the undisputed queen of the gymnastics world. With 34 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is the most decorated gymnast of all time. Not only that, but Simone has also been active as a mental health advocate, adding another responsibility to her shoulders.

Simone has had to sacrifice a lot to be where she is. While her path to success hasn’t been a cakewalk, Biles thinks the most difficult part is yet to come.

Simone Biles talks about the dark part of being a gymnast

Years of some very expensive training, starting at a relatively young age, is already a tough job. A lot of sacrifices need to be made along the way, much like Simone Biles did. The gymnast says her biggest regret is not being able to go to four years of high school. Having figuratively fought her way to the top of the gymnastics world, Biles says her biggest struggle is yet to come.

The lockdown during the Coronavirus pandemic helped Simone realize what was to come. During an interview, Simone talked about how gymnastics steals one’s childhood and leaves one unprepared for adulthood. She said, “It sucks when you reach your peak at 23, 24, you know? Because it’s all downhill from there.”

READ MORE: “Nothing to Be Ashamed of”- Simone Biles Stood Up for Herself When Her Medical Condition Was Leaked in Public

Presently, Biles says her life is not about being the greatest gymnast of all time. But about what is coming next. “That’s a big task, making sure it goes up from there.” Notably, Biles is already 25 and has been away from gymnastics for over a year. Experts suggest her career is already over but she wants to discover what more is she capable of.

Why Biles didn’t go to college?

Having Simone Biles as their alma mater would have been a privilege for any college. What Suni Lee does for her college, Simone could’ve done for hers. But it wasn’t meant to be because of a difficult career choice.

Biles was torn between choosing her full-time gymnastics dream or studying at UCLA. Her busy schedule meant she could not attend the full program at a regular college, hence she chose her dream. But, Biles had time to experience college (technically). She attended the University of People, which is an online college. She says it gave her the flexibility she needed to attend college and schedule her studies around her practice. The university also appointed Simone as their global ambassador to inspire more people to join in.

DIVE DEEPER: Old Video Resurfaced Shows Young Simone Biles’ Flawless Runs Before She Stepped in the Olympic World

Today, Biles has become an icon and an inspiration for people. She helped people realize it is okay to sometimes prioritize oneself over others. Her inspirational attributes are perhaps greater than her Olympic achievements.