Simone Biles Redefines Accomplishment

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Are accomplishments measured strictly by external recognition such as medals and trophies, or can they be realized by achieving something more personal? Olympic athlete Simone Biles has experienced considerable external praise throughout her gymnastics career. As she's grown into an all-star athlete, however, her personal growth has become all the more meaningful.

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Born in Columbus, Ohio, on March 14, 1997, Biles was raised in Spring, Texas. Her early childhood was spent in and out of foster care until her maternal grandparents adopted her in 2003. That same year, on a daycare field trip to Bannon's Gymnastics, Biles at just six years old began imitating the gymnasts she saw on the beams and successfully executed a back tuck. The staff were stunned by the child's talent and suggested to her family that she should pursue gymnastics. Just two years later, Biles began training with her longtime coach Aimee Boorman.

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Under Boorman's tutelage, Biles's career took off. In 2011, she began her junior elite career in Houston, placing third all-around. In 2013, at 16 years old, she started her senior elite career and made history as the first African American woman to win the world's all-around title. She went on to compete in multiple international competitions over the years, garnering numerous acclaimed titles: first female gymnast to land the Yurchenko double pike, the sport's most challenging vault; the first female in over six decades to win five gold medals; and finally, in 2020, Biles tied with Shannon Miller to be the most decorated U.S. female gymnast ever, holding 32 World and Olympic medals.

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Despite these outstanding physical accomplishments, Biles has also experienced immense hardships. In 2018, she told the world that she had been abused during her training. Although it was difficult for her to share her story, Biles spoke out against her abuser to protect other athletes from experiencing the same trauma. She has even opened a gym of her own where young athletes can safely learn and grow in the sport.

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Between 2018 and 2021, Biles struggled with her mental health. At the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics, she experienced the "twisties," a condition in which athletes struggle with the connection between their mind and their body. For an athlete doing such difficult physical tasks, the twisties can lead to mistakes with the potential to cause life-threatening injuries. After feeling this disconnect on the mat, Biles decided to withdraw from the competition for her own safety. While she faced much backlash from spectators who thought she should have pressed through, she also received praise for having set clear boundaries for herself and for honoring her well-being. Although there is no medal for such an act, Biles has said that prioritizing her mental health is one of her most important accomplishments so far.

Two-Part Question
Multiple Choice Question
The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A:

Based on the text, what is the author’s point of view about Biles's decision to bench herself at the Olympics?

A.
The author finds Biles's decision irrelevant and demonstrates this by listing her many gymnastic accomplishments.

B.
The author supports Biles's decision and shows this by including details that show it was a wise choice.

C.
The author opposes Biles's decision and indicates this by pointing out that others criticized Biles.

D.
The author is neutral and presents two opposing perspectives on the decision without showing preference.
Multiple Choice Question
Part B:

Which sentence from the text BEST supports the correct answer in part A?

A.
She went on to compete in multiple international competitions over the years, garnering numerous acclaimed titles: first female gymnast to land the Yurchenko double pike, the sport's most challenging vault; the first female in over six decades to win five gold medals; and finally, in 2020, Biles tied with Shannon Miller to be the most decorated U.S. female gymnast ever, holding 32 World and Olympic medals.

B.
Despite these outstanding physical accomplishments, Biles has also experienced immense hardships.

C.
For an athlete doing such difficult physical tasks, the twisties can lead to mistakes with the potential to cause life-threatening injuries.

D.
While she faced much backlash from spectators who thought she should have pressed through, she also received praise for having set clear boundaries for herself and for honoring her wellbeing.