All-time great Olympic gymnast Simone Biles just added yet another accomplishment to her impressive resume. On Wednesday, Biles was announced as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People.” The 28-year-old gymnast was one of six athletes to make the cut on this year’s annual and prestigious list. The five other athletes to make the list are NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts, French Olympic swimmer Leon Marchand, retired tennis icon Serena Williams and WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
When Simone Biles speaks, the world listens. And on Wednesday, the gymnastics icon gave us one of her most vulnerable, heartfelt moments yet. Her emotional reaction to the announcement had fans cheering, crying, and tweeting nonstop. Whether you’re a hardcore gymnastics junkie or just someone who admires courage and resilience, Biles’ story this week is one you can’t ignore. Let’s dive deep into what happened, why it matters, and what Simone’s powerful response says about her incredible journey.
Biles was named in the “Titans” portion of the list, alongside Williams. Biles’ description on the “100 Most Influential People” list was written by her former USA Gymnastics teammate Aly Rasiman. Simone Biles is a gem—one of a kind, forged by relentless hard work and polished by her own determination. She shines with a brilliance that sets her apart,” Raisman wrote.
“Simone dominates gymnastics, performing skills that push beyond what was once thought possible. Her routines are so difficult, my teammates and I used to joke that we were all competing for second place. Even as the GOAT, she continues to push herself—defying the very notion of limits. With five signature skills, she has etched her name into the sport.” “Simone has faced—and withstood—mounting expectations, pressures, and adversity, which seem to intensify each year. Through it all, she has embraced her vulnerability, while refusing to let it define or limit her. She is both deeply human and undeniably superhuman—a combination that makes her impact profound. She inspires us to believe that we, too, can persevere. That we, too, can shatter limits.”
“Simone has changed lives by bringing mental health and athlete safety to the forefront. She has transformed gymnastics—and even sport itself. But her greatest legacy may be ensuring a better future for those who follow.” Simone Biles’ emotional response to Wednesday’s announcement wasn’t just touching—it was transformational. Her comeback is living proof that it’s never too late to show up, speak out, and shine bright. She’s not just returning to the mat. She’s reclaiming her narrative. And the best part? This is only the beginning.
