SIMONE Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history and a four‑time winner of the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award, has been announced as the latest sporting superstar to join the Laureus movement as an Ambassador. Biles kicked off her new role with Laureus during a visit to Milan, where she visited Polisportiva Garegnano, a Laureus-supported gymnastics and multisport project that provides safe, inclusive opportunities for children and young people – particularly girls – to grow in confidence, build resilience and develop life skills through sport.
Bike and her husband, Jonathan Owens of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, were in Italy to attend the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games and both were present at Polisportiva Garegnano. During her visit, the seven-time Olympic gold medallist spent time on the mats with the young athletes, offering encouragement, sharing her experiences and making memories that will last a lifetime for the children for whom she is a sporting icon.
Polisportiva Garegnano is one of over 300 Laureus Sport for Good programmes that uses the power of sport to help young people overcome violence, discrimination and inequality across the world and contributes to Gen26, the legacy initiative of Milano Cortina 2026, designed to ensure that the Games create lasting positive impact across Italy. Biles said: “Laureus has played a meaningful role in my journey for many years, and I am incredibly proud to have been honoured four times as Laureus Sportswoman of the Year, including at last year’s Awards in Madrid, which was an unforgettable night for me.
Simone Biles Using Sport for Good
When you hear the name Simone Biles, what comes to mind? Gravity-defying flips? Olympic gold? Historic records? Sure. But here’s the truth—her most powerful move might not be on the balance beam at all.
Simone Biles isn’t just the most decorated gymnast in history. She’s become a symbol of resilience, courage, and purpose. She’s using sport not just to win medals—but to change lives.
And honestly? That might be her greatest routine yet.
From Young Dreamer to Global Icon
Every legend starts somewhere.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Texas, Simone Biles discovered gymnastics at a young age. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. With unmatched power, precision, and mental strength, she rewrote gymnastics history.
Her breakthrough at the 2016 Summer Olympics turned her into a household name. Four gold medals. One bronze. A performance that felt almost unreal.
But fame didn’t change her mission. If anything, it sharpened it.
Beyond Medals — Why Simone’s Impact Matters More Than Ever
Winning is loud. Impact is lasting.
In a world obsessed with trophies and headlines, Simone Biles chose something braver—she chose honesty. She showed us that strength isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s human.
When she stepped back from competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics to protect her mental health, she shifted the global conversation. Suddenly, athletes weren’t just performers. They were people.
And that moment? It changed sport forever.
Redefining Strength in Modern Athletics
For decades, athletes were told to “push through.” No excuses. No weakness.
Simone flipped that narrative.
She showed that real strength means knowing your limits. It means prioritizing your health. It means saying, “I matter too.”
Her decision sparked conversations across leagues, teams, and locker rooms worldwide. From youth sports programs to professional organizations, mental health advocacy gained momentum.
That’s sport for good in action.
Advocacy and Awareness — Using Her Voice for Change
Here’s the thing about influence: you can use it to promote products, or you can use it to promote progress.
Simone chose progress.
She has been a powerful advocate for survivors of abuse, speaking openly and demanding accountability within gymnastics institutions. Her voice helped shine a spotlight on systemic failures and the need for reform.
That’s not easy. It’s uncomfortable. It’s risky.
But it’s necessary.
Inspiring Young Athletes to Speak Up
Imagine being a 12-year-old gymnast watching Simone Biles stand up for herself. What message does that send?
It says:
You are allowed to protect yourself.
You are allowed to be heard.
You are allowed to matter.
Through interviews, social media, and public appearances, Simone encourages young athletes to prioritize safety, mental health, and self-worth.
That’s more powerful than any medal ceremony.
Representation Matters — Breaking Barriers in Gymnastics
Gymnastics hasn’t always been diverse. For years, it looked the same—narrow standards, limited representation.
Simone changed that.
As a Black woman dominating a sport historically lacking diversity, she shattered stereotypes. She didn’t just enter the room—she owned it.
And she made sure others knew they belonged too.
Creating Space for the Next Generation
When kids see someone who looks like them succeeding, something clicks.
It’s not just inspiration. It’s permission.
Simone’s success has encouraged greater diversity in gymnastics clubs, youth programs, and elite competition. Coaches and organizations are rethinking access and inclusion.
That’s how change spreads—one routine at a time.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Simone’s impact extends beyond arenas and interviews.
She actively supports organizations focused on foster care, adoption awareness, and youth empowerment—causes close to her heart given her own upbringing.
Through charitable partnerships and foundations, she invests in communities that need resources, visibility, and hope.
It’s not performative. It’s personal.
Giving Back With Purpose
Ever notice how some celebrities donate quietly, while others roll out press releases?
Simone does the work. Period.
Whether it’s visiting children’s hospitals, supporting youth initiatives, or collaborating with nonprofits, her actions feel intentional. She understands that sport is a platform—and she uses it responsibly.
The Business of Influence — Partnering With Purpose
Let’s talk endorsements.
Brands line up to work with Simone Biles. But she doesn’t just sign anything. She partners with companies that align with her values—mental health, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion.
That matters.
Athletes have enormous marketing power. Simone ensures hers amplifies positive messages rather than empty slogans.
Redefining Athlete Branding
In today’s digital world, athletes are brands. But Simone’s brand isn’t just excellence—it’s authenticity.
She shows up as herself. She speaks candidly. She laughs, struggles, wins, and grows in public.
That transparency builds trust. And trust builds impact.
The Ripple Effect — How One Decision Inspired Millions
Think about the moment she withdrew in Tokyo.
Some criticized her. Others applauded her.
But here’s what’s undeniable: conversations about mental health in sport skyrocketed. Schools started discussing athlete well-being. Coaches began rethinking pressure tactics.
One decision. Global ripple.
That’s the power of courage.
Social Media as a Tool for Good
Social media can be toxic. We know that.
But Simone uses it differently.
She shares encouragement. She promotes body positivity. She addresses criticism with grace. She highlights causes that matter.
Instead of fueling negativity, she redirects attention toward growth and awareness.
Building a Community, Not Just a Following
There’s a difference between followers and community.
Simone engages. She responds. She connects. Her platforms feel human—not curated to perfection but authentic.
And in a filtered world, authenticity stands out like a spotlight.
Sport as a Catalyst for Social Change
Let’s zoom out.
Sport isn’t just entertainment. It’s culture. It’s influence. It shapes conversations.
Simone Biles proves that athletes can be catalysts for systemic change. By demanding accountability, promoting mental health, and supporting diversity, she uses gymnastics as a megaphone.
And the world is listening.
Lessons We Can All Learn From Simone Biles
You don’t need Olympic rings to apply her lessons.
Here’s what Simone teaches us:
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Protect your mental health.
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Use your voice.
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Stand for something bigger than yourself.
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Success means nothing without integrity.
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Real strength includes vulnerability.
Simple. Powerful. Transformational.
The True Legacy of Simone Biles
Records can be broken. Titles can be surpassed.
But cultural impact? That’s harder to erase.
Simone Biles’ legacy isn’t just about being the greatest gymnast of all time. It’s about redefining what greatness looks like.
Greatness is courage under pressure.
Greatness is honesty in the spotlight.
Greatness is lifting others as you rise.
And she does that—every single day.
Conclusion: More Than an Athlete, A Movement
So, what does “Simone Biles using sport for good” really mean?
It means turning platforms into progress.
It means choosing people over pressure.
It means redefining strength for an entire generation.
She stepped onto the mat and changed gymnastics.
She stepped off the mat and changed the world.
And honestly? We’re all better for it.