On Monday, June 23, the 11-time Olympic medalist, 28, shared a series of Instagram Stories to commemorate Olympic Day, which celebrates the 1948 revival of the games after the last Olympic Games were held in Paris on June 23, 1894. Her first clip was a sweet video of Biles and now-retired Olympians Aly Raisman and Laurie Hernandez celebrating the news that they made it to the 2016 Olympic team. She followed up the video with two photos alongside Raisman, Hernandez, Gabby Douglas and Madison Kocian, from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The next slide included three photos of the 2016 Team USA, also known as the “Final Five,” scoring their team gold medal. One photo included the girls jumping for joy together, and another of them standing beside each other on the podium with their gold medals. Biles then shared a few snaps from the next Summer Olympics, the 2020 Tokyo Games. She added photos of her with production crews, who wore protective masks during COVID-19.
The gold medalist also posted a photo with her 2020 team, known as the “Fighting Four,” Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum, posing with their silver medals. She added another image from the 2020 Games, with a photo of her bronze medal with coaches Cecile Canqueteau-Landi and Laurent Landi. She earned the bronze medal on the balance beam.
Simone Biles Shares Candid Throwbacks from Her ‘Blessed’ Olympics Journey Throughout the Years
Introduction: The GOAT Opens Her Photo Album
Simone Biles, a name synonymous with greatness in gymnastics, just gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at her Olympic journey — and it’s nothing short of inspiring. Through a series of heartfelt Instagram throwbacks, the four-time Olympic gold medalist took us back in time, sharing raw, emotional, and triumphant moments that built the legend we know today. From awkward pre-competition selfies to breathtaking medal ceremonies, Biles’ nostalgic stroll isn’t just a personal reflection — it’s a powerful story of resilience, glory, and growth.
Let’s dive deep into Simone’s journey through her own lens.
The Legacy of Simone Biles — More Than Just Medals
Why Simone Biles Stands Out Among Olympic Legends
It’s not just her flips, twists, or the fact that she has multiple moves named after her — Simone Biles changed the game. Her legacy goes beyond physical feats. She broke barriers in mental health advocacy, redefined strength, and shattered ceilings for women of color in sports.
A Career Built on Grit, Grace, and Gold
From the first time she set foot on an international podium to her unforgettable Tokyo journey, every chapter of Simone’s story is soaked in perseverance and passion. These new throwbacks highlight not just her podium finishes, but also the quiet moments — the ones fans rarely get to see.
Throwback Breakdown — The Moments That Mattered
Flashback to London 2012 — The Dream Begins
Although Simone didn’t compete in the 2012 Olympics, that year was pivotal. She was already making waves in the junior circuit, preparing for greatness. One of the photos she shared shows a young, starry-eyed Simone training in a dimly lit gym — a powerful reminder that every star begins in the shadows.
Rio 2016 — The Golden Girl Emerges
The Vault Heard Around the World
In Rio, Simone blew the world away. The throwbacks include her iconic vaults, candid backstage hugs with teammates, and her first Olympic gold medal moment — complete with teary-eyed grins and sparkly leotards.
Behind the Gold: The Reality Few Saw
Biles also posted a photo of her lacing her shoes, captioned: “nerves don’t show in glitter.” It’s a subtle reminder of the immense pressure these athletes face, masked by their shimmering stage presence.
Tokyo 2020 (Held in 2021) — The Year of Courage
When Mental Health Took Center Stage
In Tokyo, Simone made headlines not for medals, but for her brave decision to step back for mental health reasons. Her throwbacks include a powerful photo in sweats, standing at the sidelines — a visual symbol of choosing self-worth over public pressure.
Bronze on Beam — A Triumph of the Spirit
She did return to compete on the balance beam, earning a bronze. That moment wasn’t about hardware — it was about healing. And yes, she included that iconic beam pic with a soft, humble smile.
What Makes These Throwbacks So Powerful?
Authenticity in Every Frame
What really stands out is how real the photos feel. No filters, no perfection — just Simone, being herself. That authenticity resonates deeply, especially in a world obsessed with curated perfection.
A Story Told in Smiles, Tears, and Leotards
Each image tells a story. Some shout triumph. Others whisper struggle. And all of them sing the same song: growth.
Social Media Reacts — Fans Flood the Comments
“You’re Our Forever Champion”
Thousands of comments poured in from fans and fellow athletes alike. Words like “inspiring,” “GOAT,” and “thank you” filled the replies.
Young Gymnasts Find Hope in Her Past
Aspiring gymnasts shared how these behind-the-scenes snapshots reignited their dreams. Simone isn’t just an idol; she’s a role model with real stories and real scars.
Beyond the Balance Beam — Simone’s Personal Evolution
Finding Joy Outside the Gym
Simone’s throwbacks also included photos from the Olympic Village, goofy teammate selfies, and snapshots of her journaling. It’s a side of her that reminds us: champions are people too.
The Power of Saying “No”
By sharing her Tokyo experience so openly, she’s helped normalize conversations around mental wellness. And these throwbacks? They’re not just nostalgic — they’re revolutionary.
A Timeline of Transformation
2013-2015: Building the Foundation
World Championship wins, national titles, and refining her craft — Simone’s journey was fierce even before the Olympic stage.
2016: Shining in Rio
Four golds. One bronze. A performance for the history books.
2020-2021: The Reset
A global pandemic, mental health battles, and rising anew.
2024 and Beyond?
Simone’s recent training updates suggest she’s not done yet. These throwbacks might just be the preview to another epic comeback.
Why Simone’s Throwbacks Matter Right Now
We Crave Realness in a Filtered World
In an age of highlight reels, seeing Simone reflect with humility is refreshing. She’s reminding us that even heroes have hard days — and that’s okay.
It’s Not Just Her Journey — It’s Ours Too
We’ve all had moments where we had to show up when it was hard. That’s what these throwbacks reflect — a universal experience dressed in leotards and determination.
Conclusion: A Journey That Still Inspires
Simone Biles didn’t just flip her way into Olympic history — she did it while staying true to herself. Her throwbacks are more than nostalgia. They’re a love letter to the journey, the setbacks, the wins, and the warrior within.
By opening up her past, Simone Biles is giving fans a glimpse into the soul of a champion. And if her story teaches us anything, it’s this: greatness isn’t just about how you land — it’s about getting back up with grace.
