The Netflix series “Simone Biles Rising” has a perfect name. Why? Because, as the 11x Olympic medalist says, “I’ve always risen.” With a career that broke records, the gymnast has carved a distinct and rather irreplaceable space for herself in the sport, especially after Paris. But do you know the GOAT relishes a few fascinations beyond gymnastics? Well, one of them seems to be her exquisite taste for body art.

Although, in the doc-series, the GOAT explained the deep meaning of her tattoos and the real meaning of art, we’ll give you a walk-through of the designs she oh-so-proudly flaunts. Even though her athletic ability is widely known, many people are interested in her personal style, particularly whether or not she has any tattoos.

Well, to answer that, Simone Biles has multiple tattoos, each with a unique meaning. Despite being less talked about, her tattoos have substantial meaning and represent her core beliefs and life experiences. Let’s explore the backstories of her tattoos to learn more about the 27-year-old who inspires everyone.

Olympic rings: The circles of success

Olympic rings, which represent Biles’s historic triumph at the 2016 Rio Olympics, were her first tattoo. Four of the five medals she won were gold. She had the famous Olympic rings inked on her body as a way to mark this accomplishment in 2017. This tattoo, which was captured on camera by her buddy Jake Miller on Instagram, represents her meteoric rise to Olympic fame.

And still, I rise: The upward swing of Simone Biles

Inspired by the well-known poem by Maya Angelou, Biles added the line “And still I rise” to her collections in 2021. Biles clarified, “It was a saying that I loved, obviously, Maya Angelou, before I got this tattoo,” in a trailer for a Netflix documentary. “‘And still I rise’ is perfect because I feel like that’s kind of the epitome of my career and my life story. I’ve always risen to the occasion.” This tattoo on her collarbone represents her commitment in the face of personal and professional challenges.

The “1997” stems from an early route

The straightforward but important tattoo “1997,” placed just above her elbow, is another noteworthy addition. Her birth year is reflected in this tattoo, which pays respect to her roots and the long road that followed.

The “Golden” effort

At the InStyle Awards in November 2021, Biles showed off a new tattoo that said “Golden” on her inner left wrist. She hasn’t made its meaning known to the public, but it probably honors her multiple gold medal wins and her reputation as a golden athlete in gymnastics.

“XO” Biles’ inner lip tattoo

The “XO” tattooed on Biles’ inner lip is one of her more understated creations. She revealed in an NBC Sports chat that this was her second tattoo, which she picked out for its subtle style. Even though it has aged with time, this unique and creative body art piece is still a part of her collection.

The “butterfly” effects

Two small butterflies on the back of Biles’s right hand are the upgrades to her collection of tattoos. Butterflies are a common metaphor for progress and evolution, though she hasn’t stated why; these are fitting themes for a performer who consistently improves and reaches higher goals.

A seal of love

Moments before the 2024 Gold Over America Tour reached its third pitstop, Simone Biles halted at a specialist’s studio in Arizona, where she added two of her latest inks. For starters, Biles got a ‘J’ inked on her ring finger, which definitely is an ode to the everlasting promise she’s made to her husband, Jonathan Owens. Guess, now Owens is not the only one with his partner’s initial on the ring finger, right? The master architect behind this elegant design was none other than Sydney Smith, Arizona’s fine-line tattoo specialist who flaunts over a decade of experience.

A tattoo for Biles’ heavenly union

Sydney Smith also inked a special eighth one for Biles that read, ‘Made in Heaven’ across the back of her neck. Perhaps this one too is a tribute to the beautiful harmony between her and Jonathan Owens.

444, for an angelic love story

Right before Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens tied the knot, the duo got a matching tattoo. It was nothing too complex but a simple ‘444′ tattoo, on the inner part of her left elbow, which stands for ‘4better, 4worse, 4ever.’ This implies, rain or shine, the two have promised to journey through life together.

Thus, the story behind all of Simone Biles’ tattoos is one of success, life achievements, and, of course, love. Every ink piece symbolizes a noteworthy period in her journey, ranging from her successful Olympic experience to her unshakable commitment. And how can we forget that Owens missed his pre-season NFL training for a bit, to be with Biles in Paris? Well, that seems to have made her fall head over heels in love with him, all over again!