This May Be the Most Powerful Simone Biles Quote Yet
By Allison Cooper
At this point in the games, everyone should know who Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is. Not only has she proven herself as the world’s best gymnast, but has established that she just might be one of the biggest role models, inspirational leaders and activist against everything sexist towards women in the media.
And did we mention that she’s only 19?
Last week she said, “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.” What encouraged her to respond this way? As soon as she won the gold medal with the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team, the media instantly started comparing her to male athletes.
I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.
Take a second to digest the impact of that statement.
Wise beyond her years, Simone seriously just shut down every single reporter, journalist and media outlet that ultimately discredited her for all her hard work and immediately began sharing which male athlete’s shoes she was about to fill.
News flash: she is a strong, independent and confident young woman who knows her worth. Living in a world where many women struggle with these concepts, placing these values on herself at a young age demonstrates how impactful it is when women put their foot down and take a stand for themselves.
We’re with you Simone and can’t wait to watch the impact your strong words play in the world.
Allison Cooper is a full time blogger at Project Motherhood and freelance writer. You can find her balancing her time equally between writing, spending time with her family, running, or sipping on strong coffee! Connect with her on twitter for daily chit chat and mama musings!
