Simone Biles, the very name, brings to mind a girl bubbling with energy and demonstrating the toughest gymnastics feats. Beginning at 6 with a casual somersault, she gracefully leaped into the history of the sport as the most decorated gymnast ever. By 24 years of age, the gymnastics G.O.A.T amassed 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. However, the phase in between reveals a lesser-known side of Simone.

Simone began training in gymnastics at the age of 8. She developed unwavering love and passion for the sport. It made her ambitious about making a place for herself in the sport. One might assume that her journey through becoming the G.O.A.T saw no downs. In 2012, she obtained a place on the U.S. Junior National Team. But what happened in 2011 is quite unbelievable for a star like Simone.

Simone Biles stood strong despite breaking down

In 2011, Simone made her first appearance in Junior National Competition in American Classic in Houston. She stood third in the all-around competition and first in the vault. She was, in two minds, about taking it forward. Being committed to competitive gymnastics demanded leaving her public school and teenage social activities.

Biles put the sport ahead and began practicing six to eight hours a day. The same year, the 14-year-old Biles finished 14th in the all-around at the U.S. Junior Championships. Thirteen gymnasts made the team, which means Biles missed it by one spot.

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Biles described the event as devastating, heartbreaking, and a failure. “Tears were bubbling up inside me, but I refused to let the other girls or the coaches see me cry,” she wrote in her autobiography, “Courage to Soar.”

Simone rises like a phoenix

The defeat in 2011 cast a tremendous impact on Simone. Recalling the incident, she wrote, “That’s how my journey as an elite gymnast began — with a defeat that put an ache in my heart and doubts in my mind.” Gathering herself, little did she realize that the G.O.A.T was in the making.

The 2012 American Classic saw her placing third on the balance beam and tied for second in the floor exercise. She also won first place in both the vault and all-around competitions. Following this, Biles stood third in the U.S. junior all-around in 2012. She couldn’t compete for a place on the 2012 Olympic team because she was a few months too young to compete.

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Before making her maiden attempt in the Olympic games in 2016, Biles had won 14 world championship medals, making her the first-ever American gymnast to do so. Simone in the 2016 Rio Olympics, won four gold medals, leaving the world of gymnastics amazed by her impeccable skills.