Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, accepted a TIME100 Impact Award at New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 24. TIME100 Impact Awards recognize global leaders who have gone above and beyond to move their industries—and the world—forward. Biles attended the star-studded ceremony with her mother. Actor Kristen Bell, who is 5’1, jokingly explained why she was presenting an award to Biles, who is 4’8: “I wanted to give her this award tonight because for once, I wanted to tower over someone while also feeling super weak.” Biles boasts 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. But on a more serious note, Bell said Biles deserves the award because she doesn’t just rest on her laurels. “She continues to use her achievements and her example to lift others up.”
Practices can be stressful, but Biles tries to make them fun. She spoke about being true to herself. As she explained onstage, “I was expected to be robotic and compartmentalize my feelings in order to achieve what might otherwise be an overwhelming goal. But that just wasn’t me. I needed to smile, to laugh, to occasionally play practical jokes. I found ways to keep competition and training environments polite and fun, and it allowed me to succeed.”
In addition to her balancing acts in the gymnasium, Biles speaks openly about the need for balance in life. She made a historic comeback this summer, racking up four medals (three of them gold) in the 2024 Paris summer Olympics after withdrawing from the Tokyo games in 2021 to preserve her mental health. Her recovery is documented in the Netflix series Simone Biles Rising. In a tribute to Biles for the 2025 TIME100 list, Aly Raisman, three-time Olympic gold gymnast, called her fellow Olympian both “deeply human and undeniably superhuman,” so much so that “my teammates and I used to joke that we were all competing for second place.”
But at the gala, Biles said you don’t need medals to have confidence or make a difference. As she put it, “You don’t need to stand on an Olympic stage in order to have an impact, and you certainly don’t need to win medals. You just need to show up and stay true to who you are.”
Why Simone Biles’ TIME100 Moment Matters
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, isn’t just winning medals—she’s winning hearts. At the TIME100 Gala, Biles was honored with the Impact Award, a recognition of not just her athletic excellence but her unwavering courage, advocacy for mental health, and influence far beyond the mat. But this wasn’t just an acceptance speech—it was a cultural moment. Let’s break it down.
Who Is Simone Biles? More Than Just a Gymnast
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Simone Biles holds 37 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her flips defy gravity, and her poise under pressure is legendary. But that’s not what this night was about.
Using Her Voice Beyond the Mat
In 2021, Biles stunned the world—not by winning gold, but by stepping back. She openly addressed her mental health, starting a global conversation. That bravery set the stage for this recognition.
The TIME100 Impact Award: What It Means
What Is the TIME100 Gala Anyway?
TIME100 is TIME magazine’s annual list of the world’s most influential people. The Impact Award specifically celebrates figures who’ve created real, lasting change.
Why Simone Biles Was Chosen
Not only did Biles dominate her sport, but she also challenged what strength truly means—mentally, emotionally, and socially. She didn’t just perform; she stood up, spoke out, and inspired.
From Trauma to Triumph: Biles’ Journey
Facing the Shadows
Biles is a survivor of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Her willingness to testify and hold institutions accountable made headlines and shifted the entire sports industry.
Prioritizing Mental Health in Sports
She told the world it’s okay to not be okay. That message resonated with athletes and non-athletes alike, breaking the toxic “push through the pain” culture.
The Moment at the TIME100 Gala
Red Carpet Elegance Meets Real Impact
Dressed in an elegant black gown, Biles turned heads on the red carpet—but it was her speech that truly stole the show.
Her Acceptance Speech: Poised, Powerful, Personal
She didn’t just thank people—she opened up. She talked about fear, resilience, and how it feels to carry the weight of millions of young girls who look up to her.
“This award is not just for me—it’s for every person who dared to say, ‘I need help,’” she said.
Celebrities React to Biles’ Speech
Standing Ovation from Stars
Big names like Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and Michelle Yeoh were visibly moved. The room was silent during her speech—then erupted in applause.
Social Media Went Wild
Clips of her speech flooded TikTok and Instagram. The hashtag #SimoneBilesTIME100 trended for hours, with fans calling her “the face of a generation.”
Why This Moment Resonated So Deeply
She Humanized Greatness
Unlike many stars, Biles didn’t present herself as perfect. She showed strength in vulnerability, and that’s what made the impact hit harder.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Young girls watching at home saw something revolutionary: a woman of color owning her story, her scars, and her success.
Simone Biles and the New Era of Influencers
From Athlete to Global Changemaker
Her influence now spans fashion, activism, mental health awareness, and social justice. She’s not just a brand—she’s a movement.
Brand Endorsements with Purpose
Whether it’s Athleta or mental health platform Cerebral, Biles aligns herself with brands that reflect her values.
Biles vs. the Old Sports Narrative
Breaking the Silence Culture
For decades, athletes were told to “suck it up.” Biles blew that narrative out of the water.
Demanding Accountability in Sports Institutions
She didn’t just move on—she demanded justice and reform in gymnastics, calling for better safety, transparency, and mental health resources.
What We Can Learn from Simone Biles
Strength Isn’t Just Physical
Courage is in speaking up. It’s in saying no when the world expects you to say yes.
Influence Should Be Used Responsibly
Biles proves that real impact means uplifting others, not just building a personal empire.
Highlights from the TIME100 Night
Iconic Moments Caught on Camera
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Simone hugging Michelle Yeoh
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That breathtaking speech moment
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Her playful interaction with Dua Lipa backstage
Behind the Scenes
Word is, Biles was mentoring a group of young athletes before the show. Classy, as always.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
Return to the Olympics?
After her triumphant return at the 2023 World Championships, fans are hoping to see her shine at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Writing, Speaking, Advocating
She’s hinted at writing a new book and taking her message global through speaking tours and youth outreach.
Final Thoughts: The Impact Lives On
Simone Biles isn’t just making history—she’s rewriting it. Her TIME100 moment reminded us that greatness isn’t just about gold medals. It’s about using your voice, your pain, and your platform to spark change.
