Simone Biles is a name synonymous with gymnastic brilliance. The 25-year-old American is the most decorated gymnast of all time. She has set new heights of excellence in the sport, which may remain unmatched for a long time. Even an Olympic withdrawal cannot diminish the achievements of the gymnastics GOAT.
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During the early days of her career, Biles, like all other gymnasts, attended many camps. While most of the camps were fine for Simone, one stood out because of its cruel training methods.
Simone Biles admits she had to steal food from the cafeteria
Biles first made the US junior national team at the age of 12. After this, she began training at the Karolyi Ranch in Texas. The camp’s owners, Martha and Bela Karolyi were well-known for their strict discipline. Biles and her teammates were frequently verbally abused for their weight and size. Hence, their food was also strictly monitored and rationed.
Speaking about the same in an interview, Biles said the meal portions were so small that she and fellow gymnasts would steal food from the cafeteria. “There would’ve been nights where we would like break into the cafeteria and go get food,” said Biles.
“I’ve never told that to anybody, like, on film or anything. But there would be nights when we’re like running with our hoodie up, and we would break into the cafeteria to eat,” added Simone. Upon hearing the shocking revelation, the interviewer asked Biles about her thoughts about the same, now that she was an adult. To which Simone replied, “It’s not the right training.”
The conditions at the camp were so harsh that the children would have to sneak out of their beds in the middle of the night to get food. The USA Gymnastics terminated its lease of the Karolyi Ranch because of bigger issues that came to light.
Not the only time Biles struggled for food
Childhood memories can be one of the sweetest things in one’s life. But in Simone’s case, she had a different experience. The gymnast who is worth millions now once faced hardships that meant her family couldn’t even afford milk. Biles once talked about how she remembered they had little food. She said they were always hungry. Simone and her siblings would go to their uncle’s house and they would get to eat cereal.
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But the family could not afford milk, so they would add water to their cereal. Biles’ uncle told them it was the same thing, but the kids knew it wasn’t. The relief for the four siblings came once they were sent to a foster home. Their grandparents subsequently adopted Simone and Adria, while an aunt who lived in Ohio adopted Ashley and Tevin.
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Emerging from such hardships, Biles’s hard work and determination led her to the throne of the gymnastics world, where she sits comfortably with no challenger in sight.