Simone Biles

Simone Biles is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, with more World Championship medals than any gymnast in history and moves so difficult they bear her name. Her willingness to prioritize mental health over competition at the 2020 Olympics sparked important conversations about athlete wellness.

Standing at just 4’8″, Biles has redefined what’s possible in gymnastics. Four skills are named after her—the Biles on floor, vault, and balance beam—because she was the first to perform them in international competition. Her combination of power, precision, and difficulty is unprecedented.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles made headlines for withdrawing from multiple events citing ‘the twisties’—a dangerous loss of air awareness. Her decision to prioritize safety and mental health over medals was both criticized and praised, ultimately advancing discussions about athlete mental wellness.

Biles returned triumphantly at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning multiple medals and silencing doubters. Beyond gymnastics, she’s been an advocate for abuse survivors (as a victim of Larry Nassar), mental health awareness, and athletes’ rights. Her Athleta partnership and various endorsements make her one of the highest-paid female athletes.