Simone Biles: ADHD and Olympian

Simone Biles, born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history. She has revolutionized the sport with her exceptional skills, earning an unprecedented number of Olympic and World Championship medals.

Biles's journey in gymnastics began when she was six after a daycare field trip to a gym. Visiting a local gym in Houston, Texas, Biles caught the attention of the coaches with her natural ability to mimic the advanced gymnasts around her. This serendipitous experience led her to pursue gymnastics seriously, and within a few years, she was training with renowned coaches Aimee Boorman and later Laurent Landi. Her passion and talent grew quickly, and by the age of 14, Biles had entered elite-level gymnastics competitions. From there, her career skyrocketed, as she honed her skills and started to dominate the sport at both national and international levels.Recognized for her unparalleled strength and daring routines, she became the first woman to perform groundbreaking elements like the Yurchenko double pike vault. Biles’s accomplishments, however, are not just a result of her physical abilities but also her mental discipline and resilience, qualities she has had to develop while navigating life with ADHD.

Biles was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, and the condition has influenced how she approaches her training and competitions. ADHD often brings challenges such as difficulties in focusing and controlling impulsive behavior. For Biles, gymnastics provided a structured outlet that helped her channel her energy productively. She has openly shared that her diagnosis of ADHD has been a key factor in her ability to maintain the high level of focus required to perform at the top of her sport ("ADHD 'not an excuse'"). The strict routines and discipline of gymnastics helped her manage the "fidgety" symptoms associated with the disorder, allowing her to thrive in a demanding environment.

Despite the struggles that often accompany ADHD, Biles has consistently turned the condition into a source of strength. She uses techniques like visualization and hyper-focus during competitions to block out distractions. Her ability to remain centered under pressure has been crucial to her success. For instance, when her medical records were leaked in 2016, revealing her use of medication to manage her ADHD, Biles responded calmly, stating, "Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it, is nothing to be ashamed of" (Biles). Her transparency helped reduce stigma around neurodiversity, particularly within the sports community, showing that conditions like ADHD need not be a barrier to elite performance.

In addition to being a trailblazer in gymnastics, Biles is an advocate for mental health and neurodiversity. She has used her platform to raise awareness of the importance of mental well-being, speaking openly about how she prioritizes her psychological health alongside her physical training. Her journey reflects a deep understanding of how ADHD shapes her life, not as an obstacle, but as an integral part of her unique perspective and competitive edge. Biles's resilience and openness have not only inspired others in the gymnastics world but have also reshaped broader conversations around mental health in sports.

Works Cited

Biles, Simone. “Having ADHD, and Taking Medicine for It, Is Nothing to Be Ashamed of.” Twitter, 13 Sept. 2016,

“ADHD 'Not an Excuse' - Biles.” BBC Sport, 14 Sept. 2016