Before reaching the pinnacle of Olympic glory, Simone Biles gave up her seat at the University of California (UCLA) to pursue a professional sports career.
Difficult decision
In 2014, at the age of 17, Biles committed to the prestigious UCLA gymnastics team. But two years later, with four gold medals from the 2016 Rio Olympics, she chose the professional path and gave up her school dreams. In her memoir Courage to Soar , Simone Biles shared that it was not an easy decision. Especially when she had to call the UCLA head coach to say no: “It was very difficult for me to make that call. But I knew I was choosing a bigger path.” And indeed, Simone Biles was right. While many of her peers were busy conquering the NCAA, this little girl continued to rewrite the history of world gymnastics with a series of Olympic and world medals – a stability rarely seen in any sport.
Don’t give up learning
Despite rejecting the traditional college path, Simone Biles never gave up on her studies. In 2018, she quietly enrolled in People’s University – a non-profit online university – because it allowed her to balance her studies and training. “I still want a college degree,” Simone Biles once said. “Education should be something everyone has access to.”
And now, “Dr. Biles” is more than just a nickname. At the University of Washington’s 164th graduation ceremony, she appeared resplendent in a blue gown and gold-tasseled cap, confidently walking across the prestigious stage at Francis Olympic Field to receive her honorary degree.
Call me Dr. Biles!
On Instagram, she shared this moment with the message: “Please call me Dr. Biles.” Not only has she made her mark in sports, Simone Biles is also an inspirational icon: she fights for mental health, actively participates in community activities, and speaks out on issues related to adoption. Simone Biles didn’t follow the traditional path. She chose to write her own story – the story of a champion, an inspiration, and now a proud American “Dr. Biles.”
Simone Biles isn’t just an Olympic legend—she’s a cultural icon. And now, she’s officially a Doctor of Greatness. From jaw-dropping gymnastics routines to earning an honorary doctorate, Biles continues to defy expectations and flip her way into history. But how did a young girl from Columbus, Ohio, become a globally recognized powerhouse who’s now respected in academic circles too? Let’s dive into the compelling journey of Simone Biles—from Olympic medals to honorary degrees—and what it all truly means.
Who Is Simone Biles?
A Quick Snapshot of a Gymnastics Phenomenon
Simone Biles is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time. With 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she’s shattered records and set new standards in the world of gymnastics.
Humble Beginnings and Big Dreams
Born in 1997 and adopted by her grandparents, Simone discovered gymnastics on a daycare field trip. From there, her passion ignited—and it never burned out.
Conquering the Olympic Stage
The 2016 Rio Olympics—Her Golden Moment
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles became a household name by winning four gold medals and one bronze, showcasing incredible power, precision, and poise.
Tokyo 2020—Courage Over Competition
In 2021, during the Tokyo Olympics, Simone made headlines for prioritizing her mental health. Her decision to step back sparked global conversations about mental health in sports—making her a champion off the mat as well.
The Honorary Doctorate—A New Milestone
What Is an Honorary Doctorate?
An honorary doctorate is a symbolic recognition awarded by a university to individuals who’ve made significant contributions to society—even without following the traditional academic route.
H3: Simone’s New Title—Doctor Biles
Simone Biles was recently honored with an honorary doctorate in humane letters by the University of Houston. And yes, she looked just as fabulous in a cap and gown as she does in a leotard.
Why This Degree Matters (More Than You Think)
It Honors More Than Athleticism
Her honorary degree doesn’t just celebrate flips and golds—it honors resilience, advocacy, and social impact. Biles has become a fierce voice for mental health awareness, sexual abuse survivors, and racial equality.
From Mat to Microphone—Biles as an Advocate
Biles stood up against abuse within USA Gymnastics and became a voice for change. That bravery, beyond any medal, is what made universities take notice.
Simone Biles and the Power of Influence
Social Media Queen
With millions of followers, Biles inspires young athletes, survivors, and everyday people alike. Her honorary doctorate adds intellectual validation to her emotional and cultural influence.
Changing the Definition of Success
Simone’s journey reminds us that success isn’t just about competition—it’s about character, courage, and contribution.
What This Means for Future Athletes
Breaking the Mold
Simone is paving the way for athletes to be multi-dimensional—proving you can be physically elite, mentally strong, and socially conscious.
H3: Education Meets Inspiration
Honorary degrees like hers show that academic institutions are recognizing real-world change-makers, not just scholars. It’s a sign that influence matters more than GPAs.
The Public Reaction: Internet Goes Wild
Fans Celebrate “Dr. Simone Biles”
From viral tweets to TikTok tributes, fans couldn’t get enough of seeing Biles in a cap and gown. The title “Dr. Biles” was trending—and rightfully so!
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Young girls are now not just dreaming of Olympic gold—they’re dreaming of impact, recognition, and higher purpose. Simone’s journey rewrites what it means to “make it.”
Simone’s Message to the World
You Can Be More Than One Thing
Athlete. Advocate. Doctor. Simone Biles teaches us that our identities can be layered. We’re not boxes—we’re books with multiple chapters.
Mental Health Is Strength, Not Weakness
Her doctorate validates the message she’s been preaching: putting yourself first is powerful, not selfish.
The Bigger Picture—Beyond Titles and Medals
Biles as a Cultural Icon
Like Muhammad Ali or Serena Williams, Simone is evolving into a figure who transcends her sport. Her story resonates across age, race, and nationality.
The Legacy She’s Building
It’s not just about the flips anymore—it’s about foundations, futures, and fearlessness. Her impact will be felt long after the chalk dust settles.
Final Thoughts—More Than Gold, More Than a Gown
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast. She’s a revolution in motion. Her honorary doctorate doesn’t cap her story—it expands it. She’s proven that greatness isn’t measured in medals or degrees, but in how you uplift others, fight for what’s right, and keep pushing even when it’s hard. She’s flipped her way through barriers. And now, she’s flipping the narrative of what it means to be an icon.
