While debates exist across eras, most experts and enthusiasts agree that Simone Biles holds that title today. With her unmatched skill set, record-breaking performances, and global influence, she has become the face of modern gymnastics. Let’s take a deep dive into her story and also honor other legends who shaped the sport.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1997, Simone Biles discovered gymnastics at a young age. Her natural talent was evident from the beginning, and she quickly developed into a prodigy. By the time she entered senior competition in 2013, she was already a rising star, winning the all-around title at her first World Championships.
What separates Biles is not just her medals, but the way she redefined what gymnasts can do. Standing at 4’8”, she developed extraordinary power that allowed her to attempt—and land—routines no one had ever imagined. Her name now appears in the gymnastics Code of Points multiple times because she invented skills that others still struggle to replicate.
Simone Biles’ resume is unmatched in gymnastics history. Here are some of her most notable achievements:
7 Olympic medals (including 4 golds).
25 World Championship medals, the most by any gymnast ever.
First woman to win four consecutive all-around World titles.
Multiple skills named after her, such as the “Biles” on floor and the “Biles II” on vault.
Her dominance is not just about numbers. In nearly every competition she has entered, Biles has been the favorite, and she often wins by margins so large that second place feels far behind. That kind of consistency and superiority explains why she is widely seen as the best gymnast in the world.