Hey there, Gymnasts!
Let's take a moment to celebrate an amazing athlete who blazed a trail in the world of gymnastics—Simone Biles! You might have heard her name before, and for a good reason. Simone Biles is not just any gymnast—she's one of the best of all time!
Picture a young girl with big dreams, born in Ohio in 1997. Simone's journey wasn't easy. She and her siblings spent time in foster care until her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, swooped in to give them a loving home in Texas. Little did they know, they were nurturing the talent of a future gymnastics superstar!
Simone's gymnastics adventure began when she was just six years old and she went on a field trip to a gymnastics center. She was hooked! With determination and dedication, she trained hard and it paid off! By age 14, she was competing at elite levels, showcasing her skills on vaults, bars, beams, and floors. That was in 2011.
Five years later she absolutely dominated the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro! She took home gold medals in the all-around, vault, and floor exercises, plus a bronze on the balance beam. Very impressive!
She went on to perform in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo where she won a silver and a bronze medal for Team USA, despite suffering from something gymnasts refer to as ‘the twisties’—a mental block which in which the victim loses control over their body!
Her list of achievements is endless—World Championships, National Titles, and even a Presidential Medal of Freedom!
Gymnastics is a popular activity at many summer camps, giving campers a chance to flip, tumble, and soar through the air. So, as you pack your bags for camp this summer, think about the incredible journey of athletes like Simone Biles. Who knows? You might discover your own passion for gymnastics or another exciting activity waiting for you at camp!
Did you play any sports or try any new activities during your camp stay this summer season? Share your favorite camp memories with us in the comments below! Until next time, keep reaching for the stars, just like Simone Biles! And, as always, Happy Camping!
- John