Simone Biles has expressed her pride after being announced as an ambassador of Laureus. The seven-time Olympic champion gymnast began her new role with the global sports charity on Wednesday (25 February) by visiting a group of young girls at Polisportiva Garegnano in Milan, a Laureus-supported gymnastics and multisport project.
Biles, accompanied by her husband and NFL star Jonathan Owens, was already in Italy to watch the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, where she attended figure skating events. “I am incredibly proud to have been honoured four times as Laureus Sportswoman of the Year – and today I am just as proud to be joining Laureus as an ambassador,” said the 28-year-old U.S. superstar. “I am honoured to help support Laureus as I share the big idea at the heart of everything Laureus does – that sport has the power to change the world. “I am inspired by Laureus’ focus on the particular needs of girls and young women. “The opportunity to visit the girls in Milan was a reminder of why this work matters so much. “I’m proud to stand alongside Laureus in creating opportunities for a new generation, especially for young women and girls who deserve every chance to thrive.”
A Golden Moment Beyond the Mat
When you hear the name Simone Biles, what comes to mind? Olympic medals? Gravity-defying flips? Unmatched dominance in gymnastics history?
Sure. All of that.
But this time, it wasn’t about medals or podiums. It was about purpose.
Fresh off being named a global ambassador for Laureus Sport for Good, Biles traveled to Italy to meet young gymnasts — and what unfolded was something far more powerful than competition. It was inspiration in its purest form.
And when she said, “I am proud,” you could feel it wasn’t just a statement. It was a mission.
What It Means to Be a Laureus Ambassador
More Than a Title
Being named a Laureus ambassador isn’t just ceremonial. It’s a commitment. Laureus Sport for Good uses sport to transform lives, especially for young people facing adversity.
So when Simone stepped into this role, she wasn’t just accepting another accolade. She was stepping into leadership.
Why Simone Biles Is the Perfect Choice
Let’s be honest — few athletes embody resilience like Biles.
She’s battled pressure on the world’s biggest stages, spoken openly about mental health, and redefined what strength truly looks like. Laureus doesn’t just choose champions. They choose changemakers.
And Simone? She’s both.
A Special Visit to Italy
A Warm Welcome in the Gym
Inside a bright Italian training facility, young gymnasts gathered — some nervous, some wide-eyed, all inspired. They weren’t just meeting an Olympic icon. They were meeting someone who had once stood exactly where they stood.
Can you imagine tying your shoes next to your hero?
For those kids, it wasn’t a dream. It was Tuesday.
Hands-On Inspiration
Simone didn’t just wave and pose for photos. She engaged. She coached. She encouraged.
She knelt beside gymnasts during warm-ups. She shared laughs between routines. She offered advice that no textbook could ever teach.
“You belong here,” she told them — not in those exact words, perhaps, but in every gesture.
“I Am Proud” — Words That Carried Weight
Pride in Representation
When Simone said she was proud, she meant proud to represent more than herself.
Proud to represent young athletes.
Proud to represent resilience.
Proud to represent the idea that sport can heal and empower.
Her journey hasn’t been perfect. It’s been real. And that authenticity makes her message hit differently.
Pride in Growth
Remember when Simone chose to prioritize her mental health on the Olympic stage? That moment changed the conversation around athlete well-being forever.
Now, as an ambassador, she’s showing that growth doesn’t stop when the medals stop.
It evolves.
The Power of Role Models in Youth Sports
Let’s pause for a second.
Think about your childhood hero. The person you looked up to. The one who made you believe something bigger was possible.
Now imagine they walked into your gym.
That’s the power of presence.
Visibility Changes Everything
For young athletes — especially girls — seeing someone like Simone matters. It tells them:
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You can be strong.
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You can be vulnerable.
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You can be both.
Sport as a Bridge
Sport isn’t just about competition. It’s a bridge — across cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
In that Italian gym, English met Italian. Dreams met opportunity. And inspiration met action.
Laureus Sport for Good’s Global Mission
Changing Lives Through Sport
Laureus Sport for Good supports programs worldwide that use athletics to tackle social issues — from inequality to mental health challenges.
They believe sport can:
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Build confidence
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Create community
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Provide safe spaces
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Teach discipline
And Simone’s presence amplifies that message.
Why Italy Matters
Italy has a rich gymnastics tradition and a passionate youth sports culture. By visiting local programs there, Simone didn’t just make a symbolic appearance. She connected global purpose to local impact.
Simone Biles’ Legacy Beyond Medals
Let’s talk legacy.
Medals tarnish over time. Records get broken.
Impact doesn’t.
Redefining Strength
For years, strength in sports meant pushing through pain. Now? Thanks in part to Simone, strength means knowing when to pause.
That’s revolutionary.
Leading With Vulnerability
Young gymnasts in Italy didn’t just meet a champion. They met a human being.
And that might be the most important lesson of all.
Social Media Reaction — Why Fans Are Emotional
The internet lit up after photos of the visit surfaced.
Fans praised Simone not just for her athletic achievements but for her heart. Comments flooded in celebrating her authenticity and dedication to youth development.
Because here’s the truth: People crave real.
And Simone delivers.
The Emotional Ripple Effect
What happens after the cameras leave?
That’s where the magic lives.
Some of those gymnasts will remember her words during tough training days. Some might pursue elite competition. Others may simply carry renewed confidence into school, friendships, and life.
That’s the ripple effect of inspiration.
A New Chapter in Simone Biles’ Story
Simone’s career isn’t just continuing. It’s expanding.
From Olympic arenas to community gyms, her influence is evolving.
This ambassador role signals something powerful: She’s thinking long-term.
She’s thinking impact.
Why This Moment Matters Globally
In a world often divided by headlines and noise, moments like this feel refreshing.
An athlete using her platform not for self-promotion, but for purpose.
It’s simple. It’s human. And it’s needed.
The Future of Youth Gymnastics and Leadership
Empowering the Next Generation
The next Simone Biles might have been in that Italian gym.
Or maybe not.
Maybe the next world-class coach was there. Or the next advocate for mental health in sports.
That’s the beauty of it — you never know.
Building Confidence One Routine at a Time
Confidence isn’t built overnight. It’s built rep by rep. Routine by routine. Word by word.
And on that day in Italy, Simone helped lay a few more bricks.
Conclusion: More Than a Visit — A Movement
Simone Biles’ trip to Italy after being named a Laureus ambassador wasn’t just a publicity appearance. It was a statement.
A statement that greatness isn’t confined to podiums.
A statement that leadership means lifting others.
A statement that pride comes from purpose.
“I am proud,” she said.
And honestly? The world is proud of her too.