How can someone so small make such a huge impact? At just 4’8″, Simone Biles may seem tiny next to most people, but during the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, she was the one everyone was talking about. She brought home three gold medals and became an even bigger hero. Naturally, athletes and celebrities lined up for the chance to snap a picture with the “G.O.A.T.” herself.

Simone Biles is now taking her skills on the road with the “Gold Over America Tour,” bringing American gymnastics to cities across the U.S. But it’s not just about performing—at 27, Biles is having a blast along the way. From doing goat yoga and testing her grip strength to snapping funny selfies with her fellow gymnasts, like Jordan Chiles, she’s fully embracing the fun. During a recent stop in Brooklyn, New York, she met rapper G-Eazy, and their photo quickly made waves—not just because of who they are, but because of the huge height difference between them.

With G-Eazy standing at 6’4″, the 20-inch difference was hard to miss. But Biles, always confident, didn’t shy away from showing off the moment. She even shared the picture on Instagram with her usual sense of humor. The meet-up also brought back memories of a similar encounter in 2017, proving once again that no matter who she’s standing next to, Biles always stands tall.

Back in 2017, Simone Biles kicked off Super Bowl Sunday with a photo that quickly became a standout moment. She shared a snapshot on Instagram with none other than Shaquille O’Neal at NRG Stadium in Houston. Standing next to the towering 7’1″ basketball legend, the Olympic medalist made quite the impression, and the height difference was again hard to miss!

In the photo, Simone Biles looked stunning in a strappy white top and a short black skirt, while the towering 7’1″ Shaquille O’Neal donned a sharp suit and tie. She playfully captioned the shot “Hey Shaq,” complete with a hand-wave emoji. Social media couldn’t get enough of the height difference, with one X post humorously noting, “Shaquille O’Neal is two Simone Biles tall.” Many people have questioned why Biles is so small. Could it be due, to her involvement, in gymnastics?

Why do shorter gymnasts like Simone Biles have the upper hand?

Following the triumph of the Team USA men’s gymnastics squad, in securing its Olympic medal in 2008, last August caught the attention of observers who couldn’t help but remark upon the relatively modest stature of the athletes. This led to a surge in searches for answers to the question; “Why are gymnasts so short?” Among the standout athletes was Asher Hong, who stands at 5’1″ and is the shortest member of the team. The NCAA team and vault champion showcased his skills by executing one of the hardest vaults in the world, which contributed to the team’s bronze medal win. “Being shorter helps me move around a lot better—especially on vault,” he shared with NBC before the Paris Olympics.

Even Simone Biles is a prime example of how being shorter can be advantageous in gymnastics! A shorter stature provides gymnasts with an optimal balance between weight and power, helping them conserve energy and perform aerial maneuvers with ease. Biomechanics plays a significant role in gymnastics—taller athletes, with longer limbs, may face mechanical challenges, while shorter gymnasts can generate more force and torque, enabling them to execute intricate routines successfully.

Some people might think that extensive gymnastics training can hinder growth spurts; however, experts suggest that there is no evidence to support this claim. A 2013 study in Sports Medicine highlighted the limitations of data on how training impacts growth patterns. What is clear, though, is that genetics play a significant role in determining a gymnast’s height, while consistent and rigorous training over the years shapes their skills and abilities in the sport.