"Started Copying Girls in the Back" – Simone Biles opens up on the beginning of her illustrious gymnastics career

Simone Biles recently shared a detail about the beginning of her extraordinary gymnastics journey. She recounted how it all started by imitating other athletes in the gym she went to during her school field trip.

During a school field trip in Texas, young Biles was taken to a local gym after rain forced a change of plans. While there, she observed gymnasts practicing and, standing at the back of the room, she began mimicking their moves. The coaches took notice of her natural ability and encouraged her to pursue gymnastics professionally.

In an interview with The Kelly Clarkson Show recently, the 27-year-old reminisced about that pivotal moment when the interviewer asked her:

"It is true that it really did start, this all started for you on a school field trip." (1:08)

Yes. It was actually in Texas. We were supposed to go to the oil ranch that day, and it ended up raining. So they were like, where are we gonna take these kids? There was a gym down the street ,and that's where they took us. Started copying the girls in the back. And they were like, have you ever done gymnastics? I think you need to sign up," she said.

In the same interview, they also discussed how Biles' dogs contribute to her mental well-being and participated in a playful holiday-themed "this or that" game.

Biles has become the most decorated gymnast of all time. She clinched seven Olympic medals, 30 World Championship medals, a record-breaking 23 World Golds, and six World All-Around titles.

Simone Biles' incredible accomplishments defy the common notion that age limits a gymnast's career, proving that age is merely a number when passion and perseverance are at the core of one's journey.

Simone Biles on Defying Age in Her Gymnastics Career

Simone Biles Chicago Bears v San Francisco 49ers - Source: Getty

In 2023, while preparing for the World Championships, Simone Biles spoke with Olympics.com, reflecting on her return to gymnastics. She discussed adjusting her expectations for herself and navigating life as a newlywed. Biles married NFL player Jonathan Owens in April 2023.

The Olympic champion shared a pivotal moment in her life when she weighed the decision between continuing her gymnastics career and stepping back to focus on her personal life, particularly her role as a wife. She emphasized that milestones like marriage and age should not limit one's ability to pursue high-level athletic goals, asserting that athletes can balance both aspects of their lives successfully.

She reflected on the importance of pushing herself to avoid future regrets, emphasizing that her athletic career has a limited timeframe, unlike other aspects of her life, which she can always return to.

Reflecting on the changing dynamics in gymnastics, she acknowledged the differences between her life and that of her younger gymnasts, saying:

"Well, I'm going to prom. So it just looks a little bit different. So, I knew I could still do it. It's just age is just a number at this point, and I think we're also propelling the sport and realizing that US gymnasts can go beyond 16 and 18, and you can also be a collegiate athlete and do elite gymnastics. So it just looks a little bit different now."

Simone Biles celebrates progress within gymnastics, highlighting how determination and passion can challenge traditional expectations, enabling athletes to excel despite age or societal norms.