Simone Biles just won five golds out of six events at the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, which took place from Oct 4 to Oct 13. At just 22 years old, Biles has done something no gymnast has been able to do since Vitaly Scherbo, one of the most successful gymnasts of all time.
With 25 medals around her neck, 19 of which are gold, Biles became the most decorated gymnast male or female in World Championships history. Biles continues to prove herself time and time again by upping the difficulty in her technique, like through her double-double dismount from the beam or her triple-twisting double back. Her greatness can truly not be denied and she should be incredibly proud of herself.
“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 because once you realize you’re confident and good at it, then you’re even better at what you do. It’s not out of cockiness,” Biles continued. “I’ve won five world titles and if I say, ‘I’m the best gymnast there is,’ (the reaction is always) ‘Oh, she’s cocky. Look at her now.’ No, the facts are literally on the paper. I think it’s important to teach (young girls) that.”
Downplaying your accomplishments and talents is something many women are conditioned to do. In sports, there are many limitations imposed on female athletes, their strength is seen as arrogant and their emotions are seen as weaknesses. We can look at Serena Williams’ success and dominance but also at the fact that she never shies away from expressing vulnerability and speaking out.
Courtesy: International Business Times
Serena Williams often referred to as the best athlete of all time and has won over 20 Grand Slam singles title in the span of her career, which is the most won by any man or woman in the Open Era. Known for her fierce serves, groundstrokes and powerful athleticism, Williams went pro in 1995 and won her first Grand Slam singles title only four years later in 1999. Unfortunately, her success doesn’t protect her from the harsh vile comments of the world. Last month a Romain TV host compared Williams to a monkey, as well as often being depicted as hysterical. Despite constantly being faced with sexist and racist remarks, Williams remains a force to be reckoned with. She inspires young women and black women for generations to come.
Courtesy: The New Yorker
A prime instance of this is Coco Gauff, who began playing tennis at six years old. She won a single title Grand Slam against Venus Williams. Coco became the youngest tennis player ever to qualify to compete in the exclusive Wimbledon tournament during the Open era and won the French Open girl’s championship at 14 years old. Recently, she became the youngest woman to win a Women’s Tennis Association title since 2004. She is the youngest American in 28 years to win Austria’s Linz Open. Gauff says that the Williams sisters were her inspiration for choosing tennis.
Success is often defined as preparation meeting opportunity, and when the opportunity presented itself, these Black women made sure to make their mark. Serena Williams has paved the way for young girls like Gauff and Biles, which emphasizes the importance of representation. Having someone to look up not only pushes you to work harder but also lets you know there is room at the top for you as well, Gauff and Biles are examples of that with their record-breaking track records.
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