When Simone Biles says she’s the greatest gymnast there is, she isn’t being cocky. She’s simply speaking facts.
In an exclusive interview with USA Today Sports’ Nancy Armour, Biles said, “It’s not out of cockiness. I’ve won five world titles and if I say, ‘I’m the best gymnast there is,’ (the reaction is) ‘Oh, she’s cocky. Look at her now.’ No, the facts are literally on the paper.”
Biles just wrapped up a productive world competition in Stuttgart, Germany, winning her fifth all-around world title in addition to another four gold medals. That brings her world’s medal count to 25 medals, making her the winningest gymnast on a world level — male or female.
Biles told Armour that she’s speaking confidently about her success because she wants other young girls to feel comfortable doing the same.
“It’s important to teach our female youth that it’s OK to say, ‘Yes, I am good at this,’ and you don’t hold back,” Biles said. “You only see the men doing it. And they’re praised for it and the women are looked down upon for it. But I feel like it’s good (to do) because once you realize you’re confident and good at it, then you’re even better at what you do.”
