Simone Biles: The Modern Idol of Gymnastics
Nearly five decades ago, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci stunned the world with the first perfect ten in Olympic gymnastics history. However, when it comes to naming an idol for today’s generation of gymnasts, Comaneci believes no one fits the role better than Simone Biles. Two years ago, she publicly named Biles as the ideal role model for young gymnasts. But even then, she likely didn’t anticipate how far Biles’ influence would reach, making her an inspiration not just for today’s athletes, but for future generations as well.
The Simone Biles Invitational and an Unforgettable Fan Moment
On January 31, the Simone Biles Invitational kicked off at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Texas. The three-day event began with qualification rounds for the Nastia Cup, attracting gymnasts and fans from across the country. Biles herself was already in attendance and shared glimpses of her journey on Instagram, posting snapshots of her arrival at the venue.
However, Biles also took a moment to share something even more special. That same day, she reposted an adorable Instagram clip featuring a three-year-old girl named Sloan. In the video, Sloan was seen excitedly pressing buttons on a toy phone, saying, “I need to call Sibone Miles now,” mispronouncing Biles’ name in a heartwarming way. The original post had been captioned, “POV: A 3-year-old’s phone call with her idol.”
Biles was clearly touched by the video, as she added her own message when resharing it: “my heart [emoji] I got to meet sweet Sloan today!!!! she did her sassy [emoji] pose w/me! so adorable! DAY MADE.” This confirmed that Sloan’s dream of meeting her idol had come true.
Sloan’s Growing Admiration for Biles
Sloan’s mother, Alexandra K, had previously shared on Instagram how her daughter became a fan of Biles. According to her, Sloan’s fascination with the gymnastics superstar began after watching the Olympics last year and attending the Gold Over America Tour (GOAT) featuring Biles and other top gymnasts. The experience left such an impression on her that she would tell everyone about it, excitedly saying, “I saw Sibone Miles and she did a BIGGGGG flip.”
But Sloan’s dream of meeting Biles in person wasn’t just a random wish—it had been in the works for some time. In a cryptic post, Alexandra K hinted at an upcoming surprise, writing, “If only she [Sloan] knew what was coming at the end of the month! Can you guess?” She also tagged the Instagram account of the World Champions Centre, where the Simone Biles Invitational was taking place, strongly suggesting that the meeting was planned for this special event.
The Impact of the Gold Over America Tour
Sloan’s story is just one example of how Biles has left a lasting impression on young fans. The Gold Over America Tour, launched after the Paris Olympics, was designed to celebrate gymnastics and inspire the next generation. The tour traveled across American cities, featuring Biles alongside other elite gymnasts in a high-energy, pop-themed spectacle.
One fan who attended the tour last year shared their experience on Reddit, describing it as “worth every penny.” They recounted the electric atmosphere, filled with cheering, singing, and heartfelt declarations of love for Biles. The event wasn’t just about showcasing gymnastic talent—it was about fostering a love for the sport among fans of all ages.
Biles herself has emphasized this mission, stating, “It’s really about sharing that love and passion for the sport with the audience.” Sloan’s reaction, as well as the countless other young fans who now look up to Biles, is a testament to the success of that goal.
Is Simone Biles the Greatest of All Time?
With seven Olympic medals, multiple world titles, and an unmatched legacy in the sport, the debate continues: Is Simone Biles the greatest gymnast of all time, or does she still have more to prove? While some argue that legends like Nadia Comaneci set the standard, others believe Biles has redefined the sport with her groundbreaking skills and longevity.
Regardless of where one stands on the debate, one thing is clear—Biles’ influence stretches far beyond medals and accolades. She has become an icon for aspiring gymnasts, young fans like Sloan, and even fellow Olympians who recognize her as the face of the sport. Whether on the mat or through events like the GOAT tour, her impact continues to grow, solidifying her status as a modern gymnastics idol.