The U.S. women’s gymnastics team clinched the gold medal in the team final at the recent international competition, sparking widespread celebration. Even former President Barack Obama took to social media to congratulate the team, giving a special mention to Simone Biles. Obama’s message on X, formerly Twitter, highlighted Biles’ achievement: “Congrats to the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team for winning gold and to the GOAT @Simone_Biles for becoming the most decorated American gymnast in history!” This raises a prominent question for many: Why Is Simone Biles Called The Goat?
To understand why Simone Biles has earned the title of GOAT, it’s essential to delve into what this acronym signifies and how Biles embodies it within the realm of gymnastics. GOAT simply stands for “Greatest Of All Time.” In sports, this title is reserved for athletes who have consistently demonstrated unparalleled excellence, broken records, and left an indelible mark on their discipline. Simone Biles has been rightfully dubbed the GOAT in gymnastics due to her remarkable consistency, incredible longevity at the top, and her unparalleled ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. She isn’t just participating; she’s redefining gymnastics. Biles has even playfully embraced this title, famously wearing leotards adorned with a goat’s head outlined in rhinestones, solidifying her status in the eyes of fans and fellow athletes alike.
Simone Biles, the GOAT of gymnastics, celebrates with her US women's gymnastics team after winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
One of the most compelling reasons for Biles’ GOAT status is her staggering number of world titles. She holds a record-breaking 23 gold medals at the world championships, encompassing both team and individual events. Among these are an unprecedented six individual all-around world titles, showcasing her dominance across all apparatus. Furthermore, she has contributed to five team championship victories and secured 12 world titles in apparatus finals, with an impressive six of those being in the floor exercise. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent years of dedication, skill, and consistent peak performance on the global stage.
Adding to her accolades, Simone Biles boasts an impressive collection of Olympic medals. With eight Olympic medals to her name, she is tied as the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history. Five of these are coveted gold medals, with four secured at the 2016 Rio Games, where she triumphed in the individual all-around, floor exercise, and vault, alongside the team gold. Her recent gold medal in the team final at the international competition further cements her legacy. Beyond gold, she has also earned a silver medal in the 2021 team competition and two Olympic bronze medals on the balance beam, demonstrating her versatility and resilience across different Olympic Games and circumstances.
Beyond medals and titles, Simone Biles’ impact on gymnastics is also measured by the unique skills she has introduced to the sport. Gymnastics skills are named after the first person to successfully land them in a major international competition, a testament to innovation and groundbreaking performance. Currently, within the International Gymnastics Federation’s (FIG) Code of Points, there are an astounding five skills named after Simone Biles. These “Biles” skills span across multiple apparatus: two on floor exercise, highlighting her power and artistry; two on vault, showcasing her daring and precision; and one on balance beam, emphasizing her courage and control. These eponymous skills are a lasting symbol of her innovation and the elevated difficulty she has brought to gymnastics.
As Simone Biles continues to compete, her legacy as the GOAT is already firmly established. Her journey at the ongoing international event began on July 28th, and she played a pivotal role in the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s gold medal victory on July 30th. Looking ahead, she is scheduled to compete in the all-around finals on August 1st, the vault finals on August 3rd, and the balance beam and floor exercise finals on August 5th. Regardless of the outcomes of these future competitions, Simone Biles has already solidified her place as not only one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, but arguably the greatest, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence, resilience, and groundbreaking achievement in the world of sports.
