Simone Biles is inarguably the greatest gymnast of all time. At 28, with 11 Olympic medals (seven of which are gold) and 30 world championships under her belt, she’s pretty much done it all, and even tells Elite Daily, “I’ve achieved everything that I’ve set out to do for my career so far.” Now that Biles is able to breathe a bit after her historic run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she’s found herself enjoying married life with NFL husband Jonathan Owens, while going on some side quests for the first time. Her latest resume builder? The athlete will be the “Riders Up” presenter at the 151st Kentucky Derby on Sunday, May 3.
The tradition, which involves calling for riders to mount their horses, has previously been bestowed upon celebrities like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and rapper Jack Harlow, and Biles is honored to join that list of presenters, especially considering the noteworthy fashion. (Another decades-long tradition at the derby is for guests to dress in their best with high-fashion hats and fascinators.) Biles, who will be making her Kentucky Derby debut at this weekend’s fête, doesn’t want to spoil the ‘fit she has picked out for the event, but teases that she and Owens will be matching in lavender: “My outfit is the statement piece, and then the hat will go along so that it doesn’t look too costume-y.”
Graduation. The cap toss. The hugs. The unknown. It’s exciting… and terrifying. So when someone like Simone Biles — a literal legend — shares her personal wisdom with college grads, it’s worth listening to. She’s not just an Olympic gymnast. She’s a symbol of perseverance, strength, and resilience. Her advice isn’t fluffy. It’s real. It’s raw. And it’s exactly what every graduate needs to hear as they leap into the next chapter.nLet’s dive into Simone’s powerful message and unpack the golden nuggets that’ll make you rethink how you step into the future.
Why Simone Biles’ Advice Matters for Grads
Simone Biles has faced more challenges before 25 than most do in a lifetime. Abuse scandals, mental health battles, global scrutiny — and still, she flips higher than ever.
So, when she says something about navigating life’s messiness, you lean in and listen.
Her Core Message – “Protect Your Peace”
“No dream is worth your mental health. Know when to step back, and never apologize for it.”
That’s it. That’s the advice that sent shockwaves through commencement speeches across the nation.
Simone Biles encourages graduates to put mental wellness above hustle culture. She’s living proof that strength includes knowing when to say “no.”
Mental Health is Not a Trend – It’s a Priority
College can push you to the edge — deadlines, loans, expectations. Simone’s advice? Don’t wait until you break.
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Take breaks.
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Ask for help.
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Set boundaries.
Remember: your brain is your greatest asset. Treat it with care.
Success Is Personal – Define Yours
Forget society’s checklist: job, house, marriage by 30. That’s noise.
Simone says, “Your version of success is enough.”
Want to start a business? Travel the world? Take a gap year? Do it.
Life isn’t a race. It’s a journey — yours.
Growth Happens Outside of Comfort Zones
Simone didn’t become the GOAT by playing it safe.
Her story is one of risk-taking — trying new skills, facing public failure, and standing tall anyway. She wants grads to do the same.
Push yourself. Fall. Learn. Get back up. Repeat.
Failure Isn’t the End – It’s Feedback
Messing up doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re learning.
Simone failed plenty of times — in practice, on stage, in life. But she calls those moments “teachers.”
Ask yourself: What’s this moment trying to teach me?
You Don’t Owe Anyone Perfection
Perfection is a trap — one Simone knows well.
At the Tokyo Olympics, she shocked the world by withdrawing from events to prioritize her mental health. That wasn’t weakness. That was wisdom.
Grads: You don’t have to be flawless to be worthy. Just be real.
Authenticity Over Applause
Simone’s advice? Don’t perform for the crowd.
Live your truth. Wear what you love. Take the job you’re excited about — not the one that looks best on LinkedIn.
Speak Up, Even When It’s Hard
Whether it’s in boardrooms or break rooms, Simone urges graduates to use their voice.
She stood up against one of the biggest institutions in sports. Why? Because the truth matters.
Be brave enough to stand up — even if your voice shakes.
Advocacy Starts With You
Change doesn’t require a massive platform. It starts with one person. One story. One decision.
Use your voice to speak for what’s right, whether it’s on social justice, gender equality, or mental health.
Build a Support System You Can Rely On
Behind every Simone Biles performance is a team — coaches, therapists, family, friends.
You don’t have to do life alone. Surround yourself with people who:
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Cheer your wins
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Catch you when you fall
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Remind you who you are
Social Media Isn’t Real Life
Simone reminds us: those perfect Instagram lives? Fake.
Comparison kills joy. Focus on your path — not the highlight reel of someone else’s.
Own Your Power
Simone’s mantra?
“I’m more than my medals.”
And you’re more than your resume, GPA, or degree.
You are a force. A whole person. And this world needs you — not a filtered version of you.
Stay Grounded in Your Values
As you enter the real world, you’ll be tempted to bend — for money, status, approval.
Don’t.
Know your values. Define your non-negotiables. And stay true, even when it’s hard.
Chase Impact, Not Just Income
Simone could’ve cashed in long ago and disappeared. But she chose purpose.
Graduates, money is great — but meaning is greater. Find work that fuels you, not just funds you.
Passion Is Fuel – Use It
What makes you light up? That’s your clue.
Follow it. Cultivate it. Let passion guide you, even if the path isn’t clear yet.
Conclusion: The World Doesn’t Need Another Perfect Grad — It Needs You
Simone Biles didn’t follow the rules. She rewrote them.
She didn’t let fear stop her. She turned it into fire.
And her message to grads is simple: be bold, be brave, be yourself. Because that’s where the magic lives.
You’re not just graduating. You’re launching. So go shake the world up — and protect your peace while doing it.
