Kendal Amos 
Simone Biles is a woman known best for breaking records, exceeding expectations, quite literally defying gravity, and being one of the best athletes of our generation. So who can really say they were surprised to see her recently win her seventh consecutive all-around title at the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Championships?
This is a feat that should in no way be downplayed. As she is now the only woman to ever win seven crowns at the event, where she’s managed to stay undefeated since 2013. You might find all of this to be even more impressive after watching the first episode of her Facebook Watch docuseries “Simone vs herself” and realizing how mentally and physically challenging this last year has been for the gymnast.
Biles was set, and training to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics until COVID-19 rocked the world and the shocking decision was made to postpone the competition. The Olympics have never been postponed, only canceled three times in the past during wartime so you can imagine how this affected the world and even more so the gymnast set to participate. Or maybe you can’t, I couldn’t either until I watched Biles in the docuseries.
“During that quarantine process, I got to really relish in my emotions for the first time in my life without any outside voices,” Biles said. “Deciding to move forward with training for the 2021 Olympics was up to me only, no outside voices.”
Putting your body and mind through this type of rigorous training for even one more year is a testament to Biles’ passion, strength and dedication. Her progress going forward towards the summer Olympics has made her the person to beat even for herself. Personally, I’m already hooked to her first two mini doc episodes, which are around 15 minutes long. If you watch it chances are that you will be hooked too.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Biles could take home a gold medal. Again. As she says herself, “I am competing against myself.”
By Kendal Amos, Sophomore, Little Black Pearl
Instagram: kendal.amos
