"Women's gymnastics is seen as beauty competition: who’s the cutest, prettiest"- When Simone Biles spoke about the importance of appearance in sport

Simone Biles once claimed that women's gymnastics was seen as a beauty competition compared to men's gymnastics where appearances didn't matter as much. The American is the most decorated athlete in the history of the sport and is widely regarded as the greatest of all time.

Biles rose to international fame at the 2013 World Championships, a few months after making her senior debut at the American Classic. Only 16 years of age at the time, she surprised the world with her artistic brilliance, winning the all-around and floor exercise titles ahead of reigning Olympic champions like Gabby Douglas.

The Texas native made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016 and won a staggering five medals, four of which were gold. While Biles continued her domination in the gymnastics arena, she became a leading voice for women athletes in the sport after testifying in the Larry Nassar scandal.

Biles also raised her voice about the disparities in women's and men's gymnastics. Speaking in an interview with Teen Vogue in 2020 about the importance of appearance in the sport, the 27-year-old claimed that women's gymnastics had become 'a beauty competition' while appearance didn't matter as much in men's gymnastics.

“In the sport of gymnastics, it all depends on how good we are. But at the end of the day, it is seen as a beauty competition: who’s the cutest, who’s the prettiest,” she said.

However, Biles added that she had realized that looks didn't matter as much as she thought.

"I’ve realized it really doesn’t matter what you look like. It’s about who you are and how you compete. I think it’s gotten better and easier, but it definitely can be difficult," she added.

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"I'm not the poster child for it" - Simone Biles on her impact on the global mental health debate

Artistic Gymnastics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Simone Biles in action (Source: Getty)

Simone Biles has played a pivotal role in mainstreaming mental health well-being in the sport by prioritizing her own health during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from several event finals due to 'twisties'. Following her withdrawal, several athletes such as Naomi Osaka, and Michael Phelps opened up about their own mental health struggles.

The 27-year-old has continued to raise her voice about athletes' mental well being and while she doesn't consider herself a poster girl for it, she is ready to support everyone's journey.

"Everybody’s mental health journey is unique. I’m not the poster child for it, but I’ll support (anyone’s) mental health journey. Now people come up to me and they’re like, ‘I’ve been in therapy for the first time in my life, and thank you so much. There’s power in that. And I just know I’m helping people out there," she said.

Biles has confessed to attending daily therapy sessions during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold and one silver medal.