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There’s a reason why they call her the G.O.A.T. 

Artistic gymnast and Olympian Simone Biles is leaving the Paris Summer 2024 Games with four shiny new medals, and she is once again leaving the watching world in awe of her power, skill, and strength on and off the mat.

Now with a total of 11 Olympic medals and over 30 world championship medals, Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all time and is widely considered to be one of the best athletes in the world. Her athleticism has literally changed the rules of the game (she has five skills named after her!) and her success has opened doors for other gymnasts of color to believe their dreams are possible. Even Beyonce looks up to this girl!

But the road to greatness has not always been easy for the 27-year-old phenom. From growing up in the uncertainty of foster care to overcoming a mental health crisis during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games, Biles’ story has been one of persistence, mental health work, and overcoming adversity. She continues to make history on the world’s biggest stages and proves again and again why she’s the greatest to ever do it. 

SEE ALSO: Channeling Your Inner Olympian – A 5-Day Workout Plan

In honor and in celebration of her record-breaking 11 Olympic medals, here are 11 quotes from Simone Biles on working hard, protecting your peace, and building the courage to soar that can motivate you to discover your own greatness.

1. “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” (May 2016 via X)

With wisdom beyond her young years, a 19-year-old relative newcomer, Simone Biles, took to Twitter to share these words just before her Olympic debut at the 2016 games in Rio. 

Her words remind us to take a chance on our dreams, you may surprise everyone, including yourself.

2. “Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.” (Biles in 2022)

You should be your own biggest cheerleader. In your quest toward your goals, don’t forget to take a step back and see how far you’ve come. Celebrate every win, no matter how small, and more wins are sure to follow.

3. “To go out there and prove what I can do has taught me a lot about who I am. We can push ourselves further. We always have more to give.” (2016, Teen Vogue)

Go harder or go home is the lesson. You know your limits and you know what you’re capable of. What would happen if you pushed just a little harder toward your goals today?

4. “Always work hard and have fun in what you do because I think that’s when you’re more successful.” (Biles in 2022)

Becoming the greatest of all time is hard work but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be fun. Throughout these Paris Olympic games, Biles was filming TikToks with her teammates, cheering on her competitors, and even dancing with Elmo! And she went on to have a record-breaking, redemptive Olympic comeback. Don’t forget to have a good time on the road to success.

5. “With practice and confidence, you can accomplish your dreams, too.” (Masterclass, 2019)

Simone Biles didn’t become the greatest gymnast of all time overnight. She practiced every flip, turn, and tumble until they became second nature. If you want to be great, you have to put in the work. Even when you don’t feel like it, you have to show up. As you build consistency, you’ll build confidence.

6. “Most of the time before I take the mat, I just tell myself … ‘you got this.’” (2016, CNBC)

Talk to yourself nice! Simone Biles often talks to herself before competing and in just three little words of encouragement, she gives herself the boost she needs to soar to new heights. She proves that sometimes the motivation you need comes from within. What can a few kind words whispered to yourself help you achieve?

7. “At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.” (2016, Teen Vogue)

Simone Biles doesn’t let mistakes or even stumbles steal her joy. So don’t stress perfection. If the goal you’re working toward doesn’t make you happy, then what’s the point of all that work? If it doesn’t bring you joy, then it doesn’t belong in your life.

8. “At the end of the day we’re human too. We have to protect our mind and body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.” (July 2021, Associated Press)

Self care is the best care. Simone shocked the world when she pulled out of the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. But, after taking the time she needed to take care of herself, she returned mentally strong and better than ever. Sometimes, you have to silence the expectations of the world and just focus on what’s best for you.

9. “It’s not easy, but the people surrounding me are some of the best.” (2018, Good Morning America)

If you want to be great, you have to keep great people around you. After coming forward as one of the many women abused by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, the road to healing was tough. But Biles was supported by the people who love and care for her. Achieving dreams is better with friends.

10. “You will not always be strong, but you can always be brave.”(from Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance)

Even though she’s one of the best gymnasts alive, it can’t be easy for Simone Biles to step out and perform in front of a hundred cameras and a million eyes all over the globe. It takes courage to put yourself out there and show the world what you can do. But if you’re brave enough, you can show the world how great you are.

11. “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.” (2016, Jezebel)

Simone has always known she is in a league all her own and so are you! Believe in yourself. Know who you are. Know that you’re one of one. There is only one you and that is your greatest superpower. Who are you going to be today?

DON’T MISS…

Noah Lyles Beats The Odds, Reveals Personal Health Struggles After Winning the Gold

Netflix Releases Teaser For Simone Biles Documentary Addressing Mental Health

11 Simone Biles Quotes To Help Inspire You To Greatness  was originally published on elev8.com