Facts about Simone Biles: everything you need to know about the gymnastics queen

The Tokyo Olympics are underway, and facts about Simone Biles are swirling throughout the sports world and beyond. The competitions are kicking off Friday, July 23rd, but the superstar—team USA's GOAT—is already stealing the spotlight. 

The acclaimed athlete is very much a fan favorite, and all eyes are on the gymnastics schedule to see what she pulls off next. We'll fill you in on everything you need to know about the stunning 24-year-old the world is rooting for. 

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Simone Biles latest vault: Yurchenko double pike

The gymnast's latest accomplishment as the first woman to land the Yurchenko double pike has garnered quite a bit of attention, and for good reason. The move is a roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and a piked double backflip. (We're exhausted just typing it!)

She'll be performing this move as the games get underway, but she already stunned the world while practicing the Yurchenko double pike during podium training on July 22nd. Should she nail it during the competition, it'll be named in her honor (which will be the fifth stunt to hold that 

Simone Biles' floor routine at the GK U.S. Classic

A gymnast since she was six years old, Biles is well-versed in all areas of the sport—vaults, beams, floor routines, etc. Need proof? She took first place at the 2021 GK U.S. Classic in the floor, balance beam, and vault competitions and won the all-around by more than a full point. Her most recent floor exercise at the U.S. Classic, like the double pike, has blown viewers' minds. Check it out below!

Marvel at Simone Biles' eponymous moves

Although the Yurchenko double pike hasn't been named in Simone's honor yet, quite a few other moves have been. Here's the scoop!

• The Biles: The double back layout with a half twist was named after Biles when she performed the move during the 2013 World Championships.
• The Biles (Vault):  A roundoff on the springboard connected to a half turn onto the vault with two full twists has coined the Biles (Vault) in 2018.
• The Biles 2: This is a double backflip with three twists that Simone added to her resumé in 2019. 
• The Biles (Beam):  This is a double-double dismount off the balance beam that was named after the gymnast in 2019. 

Simone Biles' rhinestone GOAT leotard

During the competition, Biles won some style points as well for her white GK Elite leotard, which featured mesh sleeves, bedazzled pink-and-orange detailing, and a silver rhinestone goat's head emblazoned on the back, for the GOAT, of course. (That's Greatest of All Time!)

Simone Biles' medals: how many has she won?

What can't Simone Biles do? Her records speak for themselves, but 2016 is truly the year the world took notice of the sports superstar. It was during the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro that she became the first female U.S. gymnast to win four gold medals at a single Games, and the first gymnast to win three consecutive world all-around titles.

She has earned 14 world championship medals, the most in history from any gymnast, male or female. Additionally, her 10 world championship gold medals are the most won by a female gymnast in the history of the sport. With a combined total of 30 medals across the Olympics and World Championships, Biles is the most decorated American gymnast of all time and the world's third most decorated, behind Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus (who has 33) and Larisa Latynina (who has 32). Color us impressed!

Where does Simone Biles train?

Simone trains at the World Champions Centre in Texas under coach Laurent Landi.

Where did Simone Biles go to college?

Biles studied at the University of the People, an online, tuition-free school that enabled her to pursue her gymnastics career and study business administration simultaneously. Originally, she intended to study at UCLA. She was appointed the global ambassador of her university, according to Forbes. 

Simone Biles book: Read about her life

$11 at Amazon

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance by Simone Biles | $11

Learn all about the athlete from her autobiography, which examines her life, faith, and, of course, monumental role in the gymnastics world.

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What is Simone Biles' height?

The iconic gymnast is only 4 foot 9! However, she's able to soar to some pretty impressive heights.

Is Simone Biles adopted?

Simone and her sister Adria were adopted by their grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles in 2000. At a young age, she was placed in foster care after her mother suffered from addiction problems and stints in jail. Simone credits her grandparents for being the ones who "saved" her.

Simone Biles' dual citizenship

According to The New York Times, the gymnast holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Belize. 

Who is Simone Biles' boyfriend?

Who is Simone Biles dating? The gymnast is romantically involved with 25-year-old NFL player Jonathan Owens. He acknowledged her impressive new victory at this weekend's U.S. Classic by writing "No comparison" on an Instagram story, followed by a shot of the athlete performing the shocking pike move. 

What happened to Simone Biles brother?

In addition to a difficult upbringing with her biological mother, Simone Biles has also experienced some traumatic events throughout the course of her life. She sadly announced that she was a victim of Larry Nassar's abuse; the former U.S. gymnastics team's doctor had been accused of multiple sexual assault charges. And in 2019, her brother was involved in legal trouble and had a connection to a triple murder that took place in Ohio.