“I Looked More Like Boys”- Simone Biles Struggled to Come to Terms With Her Body Image in School

The level of competition in the sport of gymnastics is impressive. Various athletes display their talents on the grandest stage of them all, showcasing their talents. For Simone Biles, it is much more than that. Apart from probably being the greatest of all time, she sets an example for others on various significant matters like mental health. However, back in school, she had a few insecurities. 

Having a muscular body, Biles was stronger than most of her classmates, including boys. Although it helped her in gymnastics, she was not comfortable showcasing her muscles. Struggles with her body image were serious, and Biles had a problem with this. Therefore, she recalled those moments. 

Simone Biles recalls body image issues

On her way to a daycare field trip, Biles found interest in the sport. Naturally gifted with a spring in her step, she twisted and jumped around the mat with her gymnastics skills. But, back in school, she was conscious of her body and detailed her memories. Looking different from the other kids, Biles felt inferior. 

“I didn’t struggle with like weight issues. It was just more of body image, because I didn’t look like the other kids in my class. I looked more like the boys. I was stronger than most of the girls, stronger than most of the boys too even. Whenever I was younger I would try to hide my muscles,” said Biles. 

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Growing up, she realized the importance of those muscles that fetched her four Olympic gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The superstar gymnast understood how it could be a positive image to flaunt her muscles and explained her thoughts. “Because I’m like it’s not that pretty, muscles are beauty and I think people are starting, slowly starting to realize that you can be muscular and a female and be beautiful at the same time,” mentioned Biles. 

A perfect body for gymnastics

Despite her muscles, she weighs 46 kgs. It helps her maintain a low center of gravity and perform flips and twists. The balance beam showcases her fluidity, while her short stature can help her maneuver her legs swiftly. With her muscles, she can leap off the floor like a polka stick and gain a far better vertical than other gymnasts. All of this helps her to maintain her success level in the sport. 

Fans are blessed to witness the GOAT in action. She has silently created a platform for other gymnasts to take up the sport. 

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Besides her sensational skills, she’s a prominent mental health advocate and paved the way for many athletes to focus on that side of the sport.