“Our Gymnastics Life Span Was Shorter”: Simone Biles Had a Tough Time Accepting Unfair Difference Between Men and Women in the Sport

Simone Biles is a gymnastics GOAT who brought 7 Olympic medals for her country. When she was six, Biles first showed interest in gymnastics and began training at eight.

Simone Biles did not become a world-famous gymnast overnight. She had to go through rigorous practice and workout routines. Biles opened up about the challenges she faced as a female in gymnastics.

Simone Biles discusses gender differences in athletes

In her book Courage To Soar, Biles said the most difficult thing was to choose between college and her sport. She had to choose between the two, but things were different for male gymnasts. The male gymnasts could attend college and train parallel, turning pro after graduation.

According to Biles, male athletes’ skill levels peaked around the age of 22, which allowed them to compete for longer. For girls, the gymnastics life span was shorter and peaked around high school. Biles said, “Our Gymnastics Life Span Was Shorter.”

READ MORE: “I Could Barely Find My Voice”: Simone Biles Was Intimidated by Katelyn Ohashi and Kyla Ross During Early Days of Her Gymnastics Career

The 25-year-old gymnast claimed that as girls’ bodies physically matured, they became less soaring and flipped and twirled more effectively. According to Simone Biles, the junior athletes that followed after her excelled in the sport. She said, “It was just a matter of time before they pushed us out.”

Biles was at crossroads

Whether Biles should pursue gymnastics or college was a topic of debate. Although there were differing viewpoints, according to Simone Biles, she had the final say. She still remembers the counsel that Biles’ parents offered her.

Her mother assured her that she could enroll in college at any time. But after a certain amount of time, she continued, Biles won’t always be able to transition into a professional gymnast. Her father said she is one of the few who make the cut for being a professional athlete.

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Biles’ father urged her always to honor the talent that sets her apart. Biles followed her parents’ advice and became a professional. In 2017, Biles enrolled at the online non-profit university, University of the People.