She's dazzled us as an Olympian, we even picked her as one of our favorites to join Season 24, and now she follows in the gymnast-turned-dancer footsteps of Laurie Hernandez.
So let's preview the Dancing with the Stars 24 for Simone Biles.
DWTS Pro: Sasha Farber
Most Known For: Olympic Gold Medalist before most people decided who to go to the Prom with.
Age: 19
1. She's Young
To the casual observer this could seem like an unfair advantage, but to anyone who knows a 19 year old - they'd quickly tell you that there are no guarantees. Youth is only a great advantage in this competition if it corresponds with an open mind, and a fearless spirit.
2. She's Athletic
If Simone Biles is anything like Laurie Hernandez, then Sasha Farber may already be contemplating routines for the finals. Then again, Hernandez didn't win on sheer athleticism. Flexibility, control, and great strength are great traits to start with, but Biles will need to show equal amounts of charisma.
3. She's Pressure Tested
Performing death-defying movements where fractions of a point could cost your entire country a medal is probably a little more stressful than a few dance judges holding up paddles (with whole numbers, no less). This will, most likely, be Biles' most relaxing competition she's had since her family game of Pictionary.
1. Gymnastics Began During Day-Care
Biles tried gymnastics at the age of 6 on a daycare field trip.
2. She's Vertically Challenged
So, there's a reason she's a gold medalist in gymnastics and not basketball. Biles is 4'8". That's tiny enough that she'd be looking up to petite professionals like Marianne Myers and Karen Prado.
3. She Was a Bruin
Biles was committed to attend UCLA up through the Olympics, but a lot changes for a potentially unpaid collegiate athlete when they win a gold medal: Endorsements. So Biles opted out of college life in favor of turning into a pro gymnast and corporate spokesperson.
4. She Was Home-Schooled
Biles, like many young stars, was home-schooled to allow time for refining her gymnastics.
5. She's a Product of the Foster Care System
Due to drug and alcohol abuse, Biles' mother was unable to care for her four kids. They went in and out of foster care before Simone, and her younger sister Adria, were adopted by their grandparents. Today, Biles aims to raise awareness and resources for America's Foster Care program through an endorsement deal with Mattress Firm.
Final Thought
On the surface, the casual Dancing with the Stars observer may see a young, athletic, gymnast, but inside is a girl that could benefit just as much as anyone from the magic of learning to dance. Being a gymnast doesn't make you an instant dance success. But being open minded, willing to take risks, and being the type to persevere through challenges can take anyone past the challenges of learning to dance.
We think Ms. Biles is that type of person.
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