Simone Biles knows it’s impossible to score a “perfect 10” in gymnastics since the open-ended scoring method was adopted in 2006. Biles, who has posted 9.9 scores in various events during her historic USA Gymnastics career, told Washington University graduates on Monday May 12, 2025, that perfection is not as important as personal growth and achievement. “The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold. It needs you to care. It needs you to keep going even when things don’t go as planned,” Biles said while delivering the Washington University Commencement address at Francis Field. “Go out there and write your own story. Only one that you can tell.”
When Simone Biles steps up to a podium, people listen. And at Washington University in St. Louis, the most decorated gymnast of all time didn’t just deliver a graduation speech—she delivered a life lesson. Her message? Forget chasing perfection. Instead, be bold.
Biles could be considered an honorary St. Louisan by marriage. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, was a star linebacker at CBC High School and Missouri Western University. He is now in his eighth NFL season and a member of the Green Bay Packers. The couple married in 2023, and they often attend each other’s major events and share experiences in their lives on social media. This included the 2025 Kentucky Derby where Biles issued the traditional “Riders Up” call.
Biles called on Wash U graduates to not strive to be “the greatest,” but to be “the greatest you.” “People often refer to me as ‘The GOAT,’” Biles said to cheers of graduates and those at graduation. “Not the animal but the ‘Greatest of All Times.’ I’m not going to lie, once in a while it does give me chills thinking about what I’ve accomplished in gymnastics.”
The 28-year-old Biles, who took a short leave from the sport to deal with sports-related anxiety, starred 2024 Paris Olympics for Team USA, becoming the fourth American artistic gymnast to compete in three Olympic Games. She has won seven Olympic gold medals—three in Paris and four in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. In addition, she holds two silver medals and two bronze. Biles also has 30 medals in internation competition making her the most decorated woman gymnasts of all time.
“Being ‘The GOAT was never the goal. All I ever wanted was to be the greatest Simone I could be. My goal was to be the greatest Simone Biles of all time. I wanted, and still drive for that today,” Biles said meekly. “When I start to get in my head and doubt myself, I reflect on what my mom instilled in me from a very young age – to be the very best Simone you can be each and every day. Thank you, mom.” Biles said success in academics is much like athletic accomplishment. “It requires sacrifice and dedication. There is a lot of fun along the way but to make it to the top, you also really need to find joy in the work,” she said.
Biles said the celebration was for more than students receiving a diploma. “We are also celebrating you for the work you put in [and] for all the sacrifices you made to get here. For all the challenges you have overcome, and how your time at Wash U will continue to help you be the best you that you can be as you move forward in your future endeavors,” Biles said. “I encourage you to stay creative. No matter what your goals are, or what you’re working in, prioritize your creative thinking. No one, and I mean no one, achieves success in a straight line.
“In order to be the greatest you of all time, embrace the opportunity to be a leader. Keep an eye on the rear-view mirror as you pave a trail for those who look up to you, for those who may want to follow in your footsteps. You never know who may be watching.” Now, the world will watch to see if Biles will compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles – and possible add to her “GOAT” legacy.
Simone Biles didn’t just inspire a class of graduates—she lit a fire. In a world obsessed with filters, stats, and perfect résumés, she dared everyone to be bold, flawed, and real. And maybe that’s what the world needs most. So if you’re reading this, remember: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be you—boldly.
