How do you keep moving forward when life throws its toughest challenges at you? For a two-time Olympic figure skater, the answer lies in the strength and resilience of Simone Biles. After navigating personal struggles and emerging victorious at the Paris Olympics, Biles has become a beacon of inspiration for athletes everywhere. Her journey resonates deeply with those who know the pressures of elite competition, including Olympic gold medalist figure skater Nathan Chen.

Chen, who soared to victory with his gold-winning free skate at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, is no stranger to the highs and lows of the sport. He has felt the thrill of triumph, but also the weight of stress and disappointment. In a candid conversation with Today, Chen opened up about the intense pressures athletes face and the importance of standing up for oneself—a lesson he learned from watching Biles.

“I do know that a lot of athletes are taking a stand for themselves, which I think is really important and really powerful right now,” Chen said, reflecting on how Biles’ courage to prioritize her mental health has inspired him and many others. Biles’ ability to defend her well-being, even in the face of immense pressure, has set a powerful example, proving that true strength isn’t just about winning—it’s about knowing when to step back and take care of yourself.

Nathan Chen reflects on Simone Biles’ impact and how her support fueled his comeback

Nathan Chen’s journey is deeply influenced by Simone Biles. In an interview with Olympics.com on August 16, 2024, he praised Biles for overcoming challenges. “Simone has had tremendous ups and downs that she’s overcome in her career,” he said. Despite facing the ‘twisties’ at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles returned to the Paris Olympics stronger, winning three gold medals and one bronze. Chen admired her emotional strength and resilience, calling it “very inspiring.” He highlighted how Biles, known for cheering on teammates and competitors, continually steals the spotlight. “It makes you feel really proud to be an athlete,” Nathan Chen added.

Chen also noted Biles’ decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Games as a display of her humanity. “It showed her human side,” he said. Nathan Chen explained that her actions set a great precedent, “It definitely did. It set a great precedent for that.” Her example helped him handle the pressure at the Olympics. “Being able to put the perspective that we’re humans first is really important for us to have. I’m really grateful she was able to do that,” Chen said. Working with a great mental coach also helped him prepare mentally for the Games. After a tough 2018, during which his performance devastated him, Biles sent him a supportive message. “Simone Biles … reached out and tweeted me something,” Chen recalled. Her words, “Tomorrow is a new day,” motivated him to aim for gold.

Nathan Chen’s renewed determination and hard work paid off when he competed in the Beijing 2022 Games. Chen emphasized how Biles’ example taught him that athletes can define success on their own terms. “This showed me how any athlete can choose to define success on their own terms when challenged,” he said. He appreciated Biles’ influence and even reached out to her after the Tokyo Games, though he joked, “I’m sure she was swarmed with millions and millions of messages.” Chen’s admiration for Biles highlights her impact. Her resilience and encouragement inspire athletes like him. From past successes to her Paris Olympics triumphs, Biles’ journey showcases extraordinary strength and proves that overcoming tough challenges can lead to shining victories.

Simone Biles: Overcoming challenges and shining in Paris

Being one of the most decorated gymnasts, Simone Biles always stays in the limelight, whether it’s because of her career or personal life. The standout trait of Simone is her true determination and dedication towards her game. She always inspires athletes with her performances and career decisions. The road to the Paris Olympics was not so easy for her. She called it her ‘redemption’ journey because she could not take part in the Tokyo Olympics because of her severe health issues. Her withdrawal from Tokyo took a toll on her mental health. She told NBC, “Working five years for a dream and just having to give it up, it was not easy at all.” But, again, she bounced back and showed once a queen will always be a queen at the Paris Olympics. 

By winning 3 gold medals and 1 silver, she helped her team win on the global stage. She outperformed her competitors with an impressive score of 14.588 in individual all-around and 15.300 in the vault events. Reflecting on her performance, she told Olympics.com, “There’s such high expectations on me that I’m supposed to win, so whenever I do win or get whatever medal that is, I feel relief off my shoulder like, ‘I did it. I’m done.” Looking at her score, there is no denying that only her unwavering spirit and dedication helped her achieve this success. Hence, like Nathan Chen, Biles will continue to inspire many in the athletic world. Her performances will show that with perseverance, fulfilling dreams is possible.