In 2013, a 16-year-old Simone Biles burst onto the scene and gave the world a glimpse of her greatness. Competing in her first senior year, Simone wrote the first chapter of a golden career. She became the first-ever African-American woman to win the all-around title at the gymnastics championship. She secured a gold in the floor exercise, a sliver in the vault event, and a bronze in the balance beam. But a tragic follow-up marred her significant achievements.

Italy’s Carlotta Ferlito, who finished behind Biles in the balance beam event, did not take to her defeat gracefully. The Italian passed a distasteful remark about Biles’ origin that caused a major stir.

Ferlito apologized for her statement about Simone Biles

A teenager Simone Biles was all charged up to win big at the 2013 Antwerp gymnastics championship. One reason behind her motivation to win was her bet with her mother. And when the results were announced, Simone created history. It was a moment of immense pride, not only for the Biles household but for all the African-American community. However, Carlotta Ferlito’s remarks spoiled the celebrations.

There was a debate about why Italy’s Carlotta Ferlito and Vanessa Ferrari finished 5th and 4th, respectively, in the balance beam event. Responding to a question about the same, Ferlito made a racist comment about Simone Biles.

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She also issued a statement explaining her previous remark. Carlotta said, “Biles did the most awful performance I have ever seen her do and made the podium because the USA always complains, and therefore I and Vanessa are less than a 10th of a point from the podium, fourth and fifth. The judges always protect the Americans.” 

The statements that followed

Later, Ferlito clarified the meaning behind the comments and issued an apology. But, Italian Gymnastics Federation official David Ciaralli made things worse. He wrote, “Carlotta was referring to a trend in gymnastics at this moment, which is going towards a technique that opens up new chances to athletes of color (well-known for power) while penalizing the more artistic Eastern European style that allowed Russians and Romanians to dominate the sport for years.”

Ciaralli further asked why there weren’t people of color in the sport of swimming. He then said it was because the sport didn’t suit their physique. David later apologized for his comments while also defending Ferlito by saying she was not a racist. Meanwhile, Simone’s parents also gave their opinion on what was going on. Her father, Ronald Biles, said, “I found it very insulting. The racial comment was really out of line.” While her mother, Nellie, comforted her daughter, urging her not to allow other people’s comments to dampen her mood.

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Simone would become one of the most successful gymnasts the sport has ever seen. What was marked with a racist comment became her stepping stone to achieving greatness.