What does it really take to create the greatest gymnast of all time? Raw talent? Relentless training? Mental toughness forged under pressure? According to Simone Biles’ longtime coach, the answer is all of the above—and then some.
In a revealing new book, Simone Biles’ coach pulls back the curtain on the years of discipline, trust, setbacks, breakthroughs, and carefully calculated risks that transformed a young girl with extraordinary ability into a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. This isn’t just a sports book. It’s a masterclass in coaching, leadership, psychology, and human potential.
Let’s dive deep into the story behind the story—and discover how the greatest gymnast the world has ever seen was shaped, not by chance, but by purpose.
The Book That Redefined Gymnastics Coaching
This book isn’t about medal counts or viral routines. It’s about process over hype.
Why This Book Matters
Unlike traditional sports memoirs, Simone Biles’ coach focuses on:
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Long-term athlete development
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Emotional intelligence in elite sports
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Building trust over control
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Protecting mental health while pushing physical limits
It reads less like a brag sheet and more like a playbook for greatness.
A Coach’s Perspective, Not a Highlight Reel
The author doesn’t glorify perfection. Instead, the book emphasizes:
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Mistakes that nearly derailed progress
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Moments when pulling back mattered more than pushing forward
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Why saying “no” can be the most powerful coaching decision
Think of it as a behind-the-scenes documentary—only deeper, rawer, and far more honest.
Who Is Simone Biles’ Coach?
Behind every legend is someone who sees potential before the world does.
A Quiet Architect of Excellence
Simone Biles’ coach is not a spotlight chaser. In fact, that’s exactly why the partnership worked. The book highlights a philosophy rooted in:
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Consistency over chaos
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Mastery over shortcuts
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Athlete-first decision-making
Coaching Beyond Technique
Yes, skills matter. But this coach focused equally on:
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Emotional regulation
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Confidence under pressure
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Self-trust during competition
The goal wasn’t just to win—but to build an athlete who could sustain greatness.
Recognizing Simone Biles’ Rare Talent Early On
Some athletes are special. Simone Biles was different.
Natural Ability Meets Smart Observation
From the start, her coach noticed:
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Explosive power unmatched by peers
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Fearless air awareness
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Unusual spatial intelligence
But talent alone wasn’t enough.
Why the Coach Didn’t Rush Her
Here’s the twist: instead of accelerating her path, the coach slowed it down. Why?
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To prevent burnout
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To allow fundamentals to mature
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To protect long-term health
It’s like planting a tree—you don’t pull on the leaves to make it grow faster.
The Training Philosophy That Changed Everything
The book lays out a coaching system that goes against outdated norms.
Quality Over Quantity
Rather than endless repetitions, training focused on:
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Precision
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Body awareness
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Recovery
Less noise. More intention.
Customized, Not Cookie-Cutter
Simone didn’t train like everyone else—because she wasn’t like everyone else. The coach adapted:
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Skill progressions
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Conditioning routines
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Competition readiness
This personalization became a key advantage.
Mental Strength: The Real Competitive Edge
Physical dominance gets attention. Mental strength wins championships.
Teaching Confidence Without Ego
The coach emphasized:
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Internal validation
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Process-driven confidence
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Detachment from external pressure
The result? Simone competed free, not afraid.
Normalizing Fear and Anxiety
Instead of suppressing fear, the book explains how they:
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Acknowledged it
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Managed it
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Used it as feedback
That mindset would later become critical on the world stage.
Trust: The Foundation of a Historic Partnership
Great coaching is impossible without trust.
Why Control Was Never the Strategy
The coach avoided authoritarian methods, choosing instead:
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Open communication
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Mutual respect
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Shared decision-making
This approach empowered Simone to own her journey.
Letting the Athlete Lead
As Simone matured, so did her role in training decisions. The book highlights moments where:
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Simone set boundaries
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Training plans were adjusted
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Health came before medals
That trust paid off—again and again.
Innovation That Redefined the Sport
Simone Biles didn’t just win—she changed gymnastics.
Pushing the Code of Points
The coach details how they:
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Evaluated scoring systems
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Designed skills strategically
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Balanced risk and reward
Innovation wasn’t reckless. It was calculated.
Training the Impossible Safely
New skills were introduced through:
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Progressive drills
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Advanced safety systems
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Gradual exposure
This method allowed Simone to do what no one else could—without breaking her body.
Handling Pressure on the World Stage
Olympics. World Championships. Global expectations.
Shielding the Athlete From Noise
The coach intentionally:
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Limited media distractions
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Controlled competition schedules
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Maintained routine
Stability became Simone’s secret weapon.
When Stepping Back Was the Bravest Move
The book openly addresses moments when:
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Competing wasn’t the right choice
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Mental health took priority
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Courage meant walking away
These decisions redefined what strength looks like in sports.
Lessons Every Coach, Parent, and Leader Can Learn
This book isn’t just for gymnastics fans.
Key Takeaways
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Greatness is built, not rushed
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Trust outperforms fear-based control
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Mental health is performance health
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Listening is a leadership skill
Whether you’re coaching kids, leading a team, or raising resilient humans—these lessons apply.
Why This Book Resonates Beyond Sports
At its core, this is a human story.
More Than Medals
The coach emphasizes that success isn’t just podium finishes—it’s:
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Longevity
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Well-being
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Personal growth
That perspective feels refreshing in a win-at-all-costs world.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Excellence
The book answers a powerful question:
How do you create greatness without destroying the person becoming great?
The answer lies in intention, empathy, and patience.
The Legacy of Simone Biles—and the Coach Behind Her
Simone Biles will forever be remembered as the greatest gymnast in history. But this book ensures we also remember how she got there.
Not through fear.
Not through shortcuts.
But through trust, intelligence, and respect.
And that might be the most powerful legacy of all.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ coach didn’t just train a champion—she helped shape a revolution in gymnastics. This book is a rare, honest look into the mindset and methods that built the greatest athlete the sport has ever seen. It challenges outdated coaching norms, champions mental health, and proves that true greatness is never accidental. If you want to understand excellence—not just admire it—this book is essential reading.
