Simone Biles is one of the world’s most decorated and impressive athletes. She jumps 12 feet in her gold medal routines, meaning she could leap over Shaq. She represents America on some of the biggest stages in the world with honesty, vulnerability and amazing athletic prowess. She will be talked about for generations as one of the best to do it. Her importance to her sport and to the United States cannot be overstated.
- Katie McVay
FanSided Countributor Sourcing Specialist
Why we needed this fandom this year
It has been a hard decade in a divided USA. We struggle to see one another clearly. We frequently misunderstand and demonize our neighbors. It is hard to know, at this moment, what it means to be “American.” But all that confusion evaporates when Simone Biles steps to the floor. When we look at her, we see the best our country has to offer. Biles is the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history. But it would be hard to tell from her off-the-mat behavior. She cheers for her teammates without jealousy or ego. She embraces her competitors and shows the audience what it means to be the best.
How this fandom made the world a better place
This year, Simone returned after dropping out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health struggles. Her comeback and her exit were equally triumphant. Simone Biles showed herself, in both cases, to not only be an athlete but a multi-faceted human being. She revealed vulnerability on the world stage and made us all richer for it. If Simone Biles can show herself the compassion to step back when she needs space, perhaps we can extend some of that same compassion to ourselves. When I look at Simone Biles, I see a future in which I want to live. When I watch her win gold, I feel proud of my country and all we have accomplished. Simone Biles is not only one of the greatest athletes of all time. She is one of the most important.