“After Enduring Years of Body Shaming, Simone Biles Embraces Her True Self — A 10-Photo Transformation Story”
Simone Biles has long been celebrated as the most decorated gymnast in American history — a powerhouse of talent, discipline, and resilience. Yet, behind her extraordinary achievements lies a personal journey marked by criticism, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of self-acceptance. From her teenage years, Biles faced not only the physical challenges of elite gymnastics but also emotional hurdles that came with public scrutiny.
At just 16 years old, during a 2013 competition, one misstep during a routine led to a painful remark from a coach who told her she was “too fat.” The comment deeply affected her, leaving an imprint that would take years to heal. “It was very sad,” Biles recalled later. “I was a small girl, and to hear that at such a young age shocked me.” Rather than breaking her spirit, those words became fuel for her determination.
As her career soared, so did the criticism. Strangers online dissected her appearance — from her hair and muscular build to her powerful legs. But Biles remained unapologetically proud of her body and what it could achieve. “If I didn’t have these legs or these calves, I wouldn’t be able to tumble the way I do,” she said, embracing her strength as part of her identity.