Debunking Misconceptions About Gymnasts: Insights from Simone Biles

Simone Biles, the Olympic gold medalist, is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

Her athletic achievements have earned her global recognition and admiration, yet, despite her success, there are numerous misconceptions about the sport of gymnastics and its athletes.

In a recent interview, Biles took the time to address some of these misconceptions, providing a candid and insightful perspective on the realities of gymnastics.

From the sport’s demands to the personal challenges gymnasts face, here’s a deeper look into the truths behind common myths about gymnastics, as explained by Simone Biles herself.

Myth 1: Gymnastics Is Not a Real Sport

A common misconception is that gymnastics doesn’t qualify as a legitimate sport. However, Biles is quick to debunk this notion, explaining that gymnastics is one of the most competitive sports in the world.

“Out of all the sports, gymnastics is probably the most competitive,” she asserts.

While some may underestimate the athleticism required for gymnastics, Biles’ intense training regimen speaks to its demanding nature.

She trains 32 to 34 hours a week, dedicating countless hours to perfect routines that last just a few minutes.

Gymnastics isn’t simply about being fast or strong; it requires agility, flexibility, air awareness, and the ability to memorize complex routines, making it an all-encompassing athletic pursuit.

Myth 2: Gymnasts Retire Young

Another misconception is that gymnasts typically retire at a young age. While it’s true that gymnasts often peak early in their careers, Biles clarifies that gymnasts can continue their careers well into their 20s, especially if they pursue college gymnastics.

“We all kind of retire around 22, 23,” she notes, pointing out that athletes can extend their careers by competing at the collegiate level.

This aspect of the sport allows gymnasts to balance competition with academics, and many gymnasts find new opportunities in the NCAA system.

Myth 3: You Have to Be Rich to Do Gymnastics

Gymnastics is often perceived as an expensive sport, and Biles confirms that it is indeed costly. The sport doesn’t have a specific season; training is year-round, and athletes must invest in continuous practice and competition.

“We don’t have a season and then we can take a break,” Biles explains.

This year-round commitment adds up in terms of tuition, training fees, travel, and equipment, making it a sport that can become financially burdensome.

However, this doesn’t mean that gymnastics is inaccessible for everyone, though the costs remain a significant hurdle for many aspiring athletes.

Myth 4: You Can’t Start Gymnastics Later in Life

There’s a common belief that you must begin gymnastics at a very young age to succeed. Biles, who began her gymnastics journey at nearly seven years old, challenges this idea.

“I was six years old, almost seven. And that’s already typically late,” she admits.

While many gymnasts start in “mommy and me” classes or as soon as they can walk, Biles’ personal journey shows that late starters can still find success, though early training is often advantageous.

Myth 5: Gymnasts Can’t Have a Fear of Heights

It’s often assumed that gymnasts must be fearless when it comes to heights, especially given the aerial nature of the sport. However, Biles offers a different perspective.

She acknowledges that gymnasts can indeed have a fear of heights, but it doesn’t hinder their performance in the gym.

“It doesn’t affect you in the gym when you’re flipping because you don’t notice how high you are,” she explains.

Interestingly, Biles confesses to having a unique fear: “I’m just afraid of, if I’m somewhere high, I’m going to jump off.”

It’s a humorous yet honest insight into how athletes sometimes face irrational fears despite their remarkable skill sets.

Myth 6: Gymnasts Are Always Competitive and Intimidating

The public often views gymnasts as fiercely competitive, to the point of being intimidating. Biles sets the record straight by admitting that she isn’t inherently competitive in everyday life.

“My goal is never to win. It just kind of happens,” she says. While Biles is competitive in the gym, her approach to life is different.

She emphasizes that being at the top of your field often means facing unwanted scrutiny, and that can take a toll on relationships.

Biles’ sister, who was also a gymnast, quit the sport after facing overwhelming pressure and comparisons to Simone.

This story highlights how even athletes in the same family can be unfairly pitted against each other, leading to stress and eventual burnout.

Myth 7: Gymnasts Have to Be Petite or Skinny

The notion that all gymnasts must conform to a specific body type, usually petite and skinny, is another common misconception.

Biles dismisses this idea by explaining that gymnasts today come in all shapes and sizes. “You can be a little bit shorter and more powerful like me,” she says, showcasing that the sport has evolved to embrace a variety of body types.

In fact, Biles notes that taller gymnasts, especially those in events like the uneven bars, may need to adjust their techniques to account for their height.

“If you gain three pounds, it’s a little harder to swing on the bars,” she laughs. This evolution in the sport underscores that physical strength, not just size, is crucial to a gymnast’s success.

Myth 8: Gymnasts Are Always Flexible

While flexibility is often associated with gymnastics, Biles shares that not all gymnasts are extremely flexible. “Me and Aly Raisman were actually not that flexible for gymnasts,” she reveals.

Despite this, both Biles and Raisman excelled in the sport, demonstrating that flexibility isn’t the only key to success.

What’s important is being “flexible enough to do what we have to do,” a mindset that underscores the importance of adaptability and strength in gymnastics.

Mental Health and Therapy

As one of the most publicized athletes in the world, Biles has been open about her mental health struggles, especially following the intense pressures of competition.

She encourages others to seek help when needed, noting that therapy has been an essential part of her mental well-being.

“I think it should be talked about a lot more,” she asserts, emphasizing that there’s no shame in seeking professional support.

Her willingness to address mental health issues has helped remove the stigma surrounding them, offering support to those who may feel isolated or ashamed of their struggles.

Conclusion

Through her candid responses, Simone Biles has effectively debunked several myths about gymnastics. While the sport is demanding and competitive, it’s not without its rewards and possibilities.

Biles’ experiences highlight the diverse and evolving nature of gymnastics, where body types, training paths, and mental health are all integral components of an athlete’s journey.

As one of the sport’s most decorated figures, her insights serve as an invaluable resource for aspiring gymnasts and fans alike, offering a more nuanced understanding of what it takes to excel in gymnastics.