Simone Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time and has become the most decorated gymnast in history. Her incredible career has not only earned her numerous medals but has also made her a well-known public figure with a substantial net worth.
Early Life and Gymnastics Career**
Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Biles began training in gymnastics at the age of six. Although she was too young to compete in the 2012 London Olympics, she gained widespread recognition in 2013 when, at 16, she won two gold medals at the Antwerp Championships. That same year, she performed a unique skill on the floor exercise, now known as “The Biles” (a double layout with a half twist).
By 2015, Biles had already accumulated eight World Championships gold medals. In 2016, she made her Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro, where she won gold in the all-around, team, vault, and floor events, along with a bronze medal on the balance beam.
Her dominance continued in 2019 when she won five gold medals at the World Championships in Stuttgart and introduced a new skill, now known as “The Biles II” (a double tucked backflip with a triple twist).
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles experienced a setback when she struggled with mental health challenges and a condition known as the “twisties,” which causes gymnasts to lose awareness of their body’s position in the air. Despite this, she still won two medals and became a leading advocate for mental health awareness in sports, openly discussing her experiences and attending therapy.
In 2023, she made a remarkable comeback, winning four gold medals at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. She continued her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing gold medals in the all-around team and individual finals, as well as the vault final. She also won a silver medal in the floor final, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11.
### **How Simone Biles Earned Her Fortune**
Simone Biles has built an impressive net worth, estimated at **$25 million**. Her earnings come from a combination of gymnastics prize money, endorsements, and sponsorship deals.
During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Biles was one of the highest-paid Olympic athletes in terms of endorsements. Reports indicate that she earned at least **$20 million** from brand partnerships between 2019 and 2021. In 2023 alone, she reportedly made **$7.1 million**, with $7 million coming from sponsorships and the remaining amount from gymnastics earnings. She ranked as the 14th highest-paid female athlete that year.
Her major endorsement deals include partnerships with **United Airlines, Visa, GK Elite (gymnastics apparel), K18 (haircare), and Athleta**.
Additionally, the United States Olympic Committee rewards American athletes who win medals at the Olympics. U.S. athletes receive **$38,000 for a gold medal, $23,000 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze**. Given her performance at the **2024 Paris Olympics (three gold medals and one silver), Biles earned approximately $175,000** in prize money.
Legacy and Influence
Throughout her career, Biles has demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and determination. She has five gymnastics skills named after her across three apparatuses: floor, beam, and vault. Beyond her athletic success, she has used her platform to bring attention to mental health issues and advocate for athlete well-being.
Her journey from a young gymnast to a world-renowned athlete and millionaire showcases her incredible talent and hard work, making her one of the most inspiring figures in sports history.