Simone Biles Covers GLAMOUR's June Issue, Talks Gymnastics And Therapy
The GOAT Covers Glamour: Simone Biles Debunks Gymnastics Myths And Talks About Finding The Fun
You’re looking at the very definition of Black Girl Magic.
Source: Kennedi Carter / Glamour Magazine
One of the greatest athletes of all time — Simone Biles is on the June cover of Glamour. We are loving the red, white and blue, Team USA themed photos by Kennedi Carter. But one of our favorite things about this month’s cover feature is the video the magazine did with the star athlete, where she debunks popular myths about gymnastics. Check it out below:
Did you learn anything new? We were shocked to learn that Simone is only 4’8 and while we loved hearing about her sister who is also a gymnast, we were saddened to learn that other people’s comments pushed her sister to retire.
Source: Kennedi Carter / Glamour Magazine
Check out some key quotes from the feature below:
On finding balance in the last year and finding joy in self-care:
“Before I would only focus on the gym. But me being happy outside the gym is just as important as me being happy and doing well in the gym. Now it’s like everything’s coming together.”
On the joy of competing:
“At the end of the day, we train for so long to compete for two, three minutes total. It’s like, Where’s the fun in that? If you’re not having fun, it’s not worth it.”
We gotta agree. ALL of us need a healthy work/life balance.
Hit the flip for more images and quotes from the feature.
Source: Kennedi Carter / Glamour Magazine
On competing at 24:
“I’m not a little girl anymore. It’s definitely up to me. Nobody’s forcing me. Whenever you’re younger, you feel like it’s a job, and you have to be pushed. But now it’s like, This is what I want to do, so that’s why I’m here.”
On criticizing USA Gymnastics and continuing to compete for the organization:
“I’m still here, so it’s not going to disappear—we have power behind it. Probably by compartmentalizing. I try not to think about it because I can’t afford to—if I let them rule me, then they’re winning. I know I’m doing it for me. I do it because I still have such a passion for it.”
It takes a lot of bravery to do what Simone has done. We should definitely applaud her for her courage, both in speaking out and continuing to compete and excel!
Source: Kennedi Carter / Glamour Magazine
Simone also weighed in about how she spent her time during the pandemic.
On the emotional effects of quarantine:
“I got to process all the emotions. I got to go through being angry, sad, upset, happy, annoyed. I got to go through all of it by myself, without anybody telling me what to feel. I wanted to give up. But it would have been dumb because I’ve worked way too hard.”
On quarantine hobbies:
“I feel like everybody was painting, or knitting, or doing something cool in quarantine, so I was like, ‘I’m going to learn how to do my makeup, my hair, and my nails.’ I almost ruined my nails, so that is no longer permitted. I’ve definitely gotten better at doing my hair, but clearly I’m not gifted in that department. I’m just really trying to find who I am.”
Pretty sure that we all thought we would come out of quarantine mastering a new skill. Simone definitely shouldn’t be too upset about not mastering hairstyling — she can do a vault that literally NOBODY else can do.
Source: Kennedi Carter / Glamour Magazine
Like many of us over the last year, Simone is also focused on wellness and taking care of her mental health. She opened up to Glamour about how she’s making the most of her time talking to a therapist.
On going to therapy:
“I’ve learned it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. One of the very first sessions, I didn’t talk at all. I just wouldn’t say anything. I was like, ‘I’m not crazy. I don’t need to be here.’ I thought I could figure it out on my own, but that’s sometimes not the case. And that’s not something you should feel guilty or ashamed of. Once I got over that fact, I actually enjoyed it and looked forward to going to therapy. It’s a safe space.”
It’s pretty common for most of us to think we can handle things on our own — but the truth of us is, sometimes life is a lot to manage and therapy can be groundbreaking in helping with the healing process. We’re glad Simone is being open about her therapy experience.
Source: Kennedi Carter / Glamour Magazine
Simone also spoke about her future and what comes next for her.
On taking over the post-Olympics gymnastics tour, The Gold Over America Tour:
“With what’s happened with USAG, I just wanted it to be completely different, on my own terms. And I think that’s very powerful. It’s an all-girl tour for women’s empowerment. It was a great year for women to speak out, and I think it’s nice to keep the ball rolling on that and to have women feel happy, and find their love and passion for gymnastics again. I know the men were really upset, but it’s my tour.”
On potentially retiring after Paris 2024:
“I’ve already done quite a lot, but I’m still trying to reach new heights and see what I’m capable of. I’m just really excited to see what’s out there in the world and to see what else I’m good at. My coaches Cecile and Laurent are from Paris, so I think that would be a good run to end with them there. I’ll see where we go.”
We love to see Simone shining! Are y’all looking forward to seeing her in this year’s Olympics?
For the full article visit Glamour HERE
