After Simone Biles’ incredible success at the Rio Olympics, fellow athlete Katie Ledecky referred to her as “the female Michael Phelps,” drawing a parallel between Biles’ dominance in gymnastics and Phelps’ legendary performances in swimming. However, the Texas-born gymnast wasn’t interested in such comparisons. She wanted to set the record straight.
Fortunately, the gymnast got her chance in August 2016 during an interview with Sporting News. “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles,” she said. Her words sent fans into a frenzy. Not surprisingly, right? But for Simone, the words were more than just a statement. Her words were a declaration of who she truly was. By then, she had already claimed three individual gold medals in Rio. Her medals came in the all-around, vault, and floor exercise. A superb achievement for someone at 19! But Biles wasn’t chasing records. At that moment, she made something else clear.
The teenage phenom wasn’t following in anyone’s footsteps. She was simply herself. But remember, getting to that point wasn’t easy. In fact, there was a time when her entire gymnastics career almost slipped away. A single decision could have taken her down a completely different path. Thankfully, she had her family by her side to help her through the test of time. Can you guess what almost changed everything for her?
Simone Biles’ phase made her stand in front of a critical question
In 2015, Simone Biles found herself at a crossroads, facing a decision that could change the course of her life. On one side was the dream she had held onto for years—college gymnastics. Yes, not the elite gymnastics! However, by then, she had already tasted success in elite gymnastics. Then what made her think about college gymnastics? Well, Simone had always imagined herself training alongside teammates in the college gym, feeling the energy of competition under the bright arena lights, and walking across campus, part of something bigger than just her sport. Additionally, her friends were already living that dream, filling her social media feed with snapshots of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments. Consider Jordyn Wieber. After the London Olympics, Jordyn joined UCLA. So, expectedly, a part of Simone longed to experience college gymnastics as well—to be just like any other college athlete, soaking in the joys of a “normal” life. But making a selection from the available choices had not been that easy.
For a prominent gymnast like Simone, the other path was a different kind of opportunity—one that most young athletes could only dream of. What was that? A gripping story is coming up. After proving herself on the world stage in 2013 and 2014, brands were lining up, offering contracts that promised financial security and the freedom to focus entirely on her Olympic journey. Signing a deal with brands could have opened a magic box for Simone. Because going pro meant independence, stability, and the chance to chase greatness without the added pressures of school. For many, the choice would have been obvious. Who would turn down the chance to build a future and to have the resources to train without worry? The money, the recognition, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—it all seemed like a dream. But for the gymnastics GOAT, it wasn’t so simple.
Simone Biles, meanwhile, hesitated. It wasn’t just about turning down college gymnastics. Instead, it felt like she was letting go of a dream, a way of life, a part of herself. The thought of missing out on the camaraderie, the team spirit, and the simple joys of being a college athlete weighed heavily on her. Meanwhile, she wondered if there was a way to have both. Could she compete in college first and then turn pro later, like so many male gymnasts did?
The reality was totally clear and unfair. Actually, for female gymnasts, that path didn’t exist. Once she chose to go pro, there was no going back. This part of the story hit her differently. In her book, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, Simone laid bare the unfair reality that female gymnasts faced in the USA. Her lines said, “I had to choose between college and turning pro while talented male gymnasts got to turn pro at the end of college. Their skill level tended to peak at around age twenty-two, when they were older and stronger, which meant they were able to enjoy competing over a much longer period. But for girls, the more our bodies matured physically, the less easily we soared and flipped and twirled through the air. Our gymnastics life span was shorter. Most of us peaked in high school. It just didn’t seem fair.” Did you realize the meaning?
The window for greatness was small, and time wasn’t on Simone’s side. She had the Rio Olympics around the corner. Moreover, gymnastics wasn’t a sport that waited. If she wanted to make history on the Olympic stage, she had to act in 2015—not in four years. Additionally, there was no middle ground, no way to press pause and come back later. The choice felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing she either had to take the leap or walk away entirely. It was all or nothing. But in moments like these, when doubt crept in, Simone had something even stronger than her talent—her family.
Simone’s parents, Ron and Nellie Biles, had always been her rock—steady, supportive, and full of love. They never pressured her to chase money, fame, or anyone else’s expectations. Instead, they kept her focused on what truly mattered: her passion, her potential, and the dreams she had worked so hard to achieve. And above all, one dream stood out—the Olympics. On this matter, Simone’s father, Ronald, said, “Every Olympic year, there are only a few select kids in the world who have a chance to go professional in something they love doing. You are one of those kids, Simone. Whatever you decide, the main thing is to respect your talent.” Wise words from a sage-like personality who has seen life closely! Nonetheless, advice came from younger ones as well.
At the same time, Simone’s brother, Adam, reassured her that no matter what path she chose, she would be okay. He, in fact, said, “If you have the talent to go pro and don’t do it, that would be pretty stupid. You might always regret it.” Overall, the Biles encouraged Simone to think long-term—to recognize how turning pro could create opportunities that college gymnastics simply couldn’t. In the middle of such a situation, a gymnastics legend entered the scene.
Amid all the advice and tough choices, former Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu stepped in with words of wisdom, offering the perspective of someone who had been in Simone’s shoes before. The 1996 Olympics winning team member told Simone, “This is your future, Simone. You make up your own mind.” With the unwavering support of her family, Simone made her decision. In the end, she chose to turn professional—not because it was the easiest path, but because it was the only way to fully pursue her potential in the sport. However, her decision to go pro was anything but ordinary. It was a moment filled with drama and significance.
The two-time world champion turned pro amid a commitment to the UCLA Bruins
July 28, 2015—a day that changed everything. For a moment, the gymnastics world held its breath. After all, Simone Biles had made her decision. She was, at last, going pro. With a pen in hand and a heart full of determination, she signed with Octagon, the same agency that represented Michael Phelps. It was official. There was no turning back now. And what a coincidence—two athletes destined for greatness, now bound by more than just their unstoppable talent. But if anyone thought this meant Simone was considering a middle ground—balancing college gymnastics at UCLA while staying professional—they were wrong. By then, she had already set her heart on one path. There was no turning back. The hint of it was there, in her press release note.
In the press release following her decision, Biles made her feelings clear: “While I am grateful for the opportunity to compete collegiately, I feel that the chance to make my dream come true is right in front of me.” She knew what she had to do.
The road to Rio 2016 demanded Simone Biles’ full commitment, her undivided focus. Competing at the Olympics wasn’t just a goal—it was her destiny. And she needed the right team around her, guiding her through the pressures and responsibilities that came with being a professional athlete.
Simone expressed it best in her own words: “In order for me to be the best gymnast I can possibly be, I want to be sure that I have the necessary support and guidance in handling opportunities and demands outside of the gym. I know there are no guarantees, but I am excited and determined to be a member of Team USA at the 2016 Olympics.”
It was a leap of faith, one that demanded sacrifice, courage, and an unshakable belief in herself. And then, just one year later, the world watched in awe as Simone Biles soared in Rio, defying gravity, shattering records, and redefining what was possible in gymnastics. She wasn’t just great—she was legendary. Only after making history did she defer her enrollment at UCLA. By then, the decision she once wrestled with was no longer a question.
Because, looking back, it all made sense. She had never been meant to follow anyone else’s path—she was born to create her own.
