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In a past interview with Time Magazine, in 2021, the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams saluted the illustrious Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. Williams paid a hearty tribute to the gymnast discussing why she is one of the 100 most influential people in the world. 

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Serena praised the 25-year-old athlete’s artistic style of gymnastics and continued to symbolize her as the epitome of success. As an insignia of resilience and a fearless champion of the mind.

Simone Biles is an inspiration to millions

In the Time100 2021, Serena Williams pointed out that the 4x Olympic Gold medalist was an obvious candidate due to her athletic excellence, as well as her take on mental health.

“There’s something poetic about the way Simone Biles moves,” stated Williams. Simone Biles is known not only as a gymnast but also for her artistic ability in the sport. She managed to secure four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze in the 2018 U.S national championships, bringing the cumulative score to a whopping 20. This has made her the sport’s most decorated athlete. 

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In addition, Serena said“She’s a master of precision, grace, and dominance, and at the age of just 24, she has cemented herself as one of the most decorated American gymnasts of all time.” Biles became the first gymnast to land the Yurchenko double pike, the hardest vault in the competition, flawlessly in 2021 at the U.S. Classic.

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A champion of mental health

Biles decided not to defend the All-Around title she won at the 2016 Rio Olympics due to medical and mental health problems that prevented her from giving her best performance. Williams’ main point was that what Biles represents accurately captures the boundless power of black women. She stated, “I wish I had her to look up to when I was younger and trying to realize my dreams.”

via Imago

Serena, who has been one of her idols since childhood, supported her in her decision. “Simone is a shining example of what success looks like when you let go of what the world thinks and gather your strength from yourself … from your soul,” she noted.

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Watch this story > Gymnastics goat simone biles makes an unusual appeal to fans about her health

Furthermore, the tennis legend applauded Biles for using her voice to share her own story, stating how the four-time Olympic gold medalist is mature for her age. A story about self-love and acceptance. “By living her truth so loudly and by championing mental health, she is setting new standards of beauty, strength, and resilience, breaking down today’s image-obsessed stereotypes and encouraging others to do the same,” concluded Williams.

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