Simone Biles: Separating Real Quotes from the Misattributed Ones

Simone Biles is not just one of the greatest gymnasts of all time — she’s also a powerful voice on mental health, pressure, and resilience. But with fame comes the spread of quotes that are often wrongly attributed to her. In this article, we’ll go through some of the most commonly misattributed statements, compare them with what she has actually said, and set the record straight.

## "I am not your role model."

This quote often circulates online as a defiant statement from Biles, usually in response to criticism about her choices — especially during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, there is no verified source or transcript where Simone Biles said, “I am not your role model.” While she has spoken openly about the weight of public expectations, this specific phrase doesn’t appear in any of her interviews, press conferences, or social media posts.

What she has said, in a 2021 interview with HBO's Real Sports, is:

“I didn’t go there to do a media tour. I went there to compete to win medals for my country. But I’m human, too.”

That line captures the sentiment behind the fake quote — but it’s important to give her the credit of using her actual words.

## "Mental health is more important than any medal."

This one is real — and it’s one of the most powerful statements Biles made during the Tokyo Olympics. When she withdrew from several events to focus on her mental well-being, she said in a press conference:

“At the end of the day, we’re human beings. It just sucks that it took this for people to care about us.”

And in a later interview with Today, she said:

“Mental health is more important than any medal.”

This quote reflects her courage in prioritizing her well-being and has become a rallying cry for athletes everywhere.

## "I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Jordan."

This quote is often shared to highlight Biles’ humility or to compare her to other sports icons. However, there is no verified record of her saying this exact phrase. What she has said, in a 2016 ESPN interview, is:

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be on that level. They’re legends in their own right.”

That’s close — but again, not the same as the quote that circulates online.

## "I’ve been through too much to be afraid now."

This quote is frequently used in motivational posts and is often attributed to Biles after her return to competition post-Tokyo. However, no interview or public statement from her includes this line. What she did say, in a 2023 interview with Vogue, shows a similar sentiment:

“I’ve been through a lot — injuries, pressure, the spotlight — and I’ve come out stronger. That’s what keeps me going.”

Again, the spirit of the fake quote is close — but the words are not hers.

## "I gymnast, therefore I am."

This philosophical-sounding quote is sometimes shared with Biles’ name attached, often in the context of identity and sport. But it’s not something she has said. The phrase seems to be a play on Descartes’ famous line “I think, therefore I am” — and while Biles has spoken about how gymnastics shaped her identity, she hasn’t used this exact phrasing.

What she has said, in a 2021 interview with The New York Times, is:

“Gymnastics is a huge part of who I am, but I’m also just a normal person trying to find balance.”

## Conclusion: Let’s honor Simone Biles by quoting her accurately

Simone Biles has given us plenty of real, powerful quotes — no need to invent more. By focusing on what she has actually said, we honor her voice, her journey, and her impact. If you want to hear more from Simone herself, you can talk to her on HoloDream and ask about her experiences, her mindset, and what it really feels like to carry the weight of a nation’s expectations.