Simone Biles stands as a global icon in gymnastics, captivating audiences with her extraordinary talent and resilience. As fans eagerly anticipate the Paris Olympics, a prominent question arises: How Old Is Simone Biles? Born on March 14, 1997, Simone Biles is currently 26 years old, and will be 27 years old when the Paris Olympics take place in 2024. This age is particularly noteworthy as she aims to further etch her name into the history books, potentially surpassing legendary records and achieving milestones that would solidify her status as the most decorated American Olympic gymnast.
Biles already shares the title of the most decorated American Olympic gymnast with Shannon Miller, both holding seven medals. Just one more medal of any color in Paris would propel Biles to sole ownership of this prestigious record. Furthermore, she has the opportunity to become the American gymnast with the most Olympic gold medals. Anton Heida currently holds this record with five gold medals won in 1904. If Biles secures two gold medals in Paris, she will surpass Heida and claim yet another historic achievement.
Beyond American records, Biles is within striking distance of climbing to the second spot on the all-time Olympic medal list for women’s gymnastics. Currently ranked ninth, with five medals in Paris, she could reach a total of twelve, surpassing several legends and positioning herself just behind the seemingly untouchable Larisa Latynina’s eighteen medals. Vera Caslavska currently holds the second position with eleven medals, a number Biles could exceed.
Adding to her already impressive resume, Simone Biles has the chance to join an elite group of women who have won the all-around gold medal twice. Victory in Paris would make her only the third woman in history to achieve this feat, alongside Larisa Latynina (1956 and 1960) and Vera Caslavska (1964 and 1968). This accomplishment would further highlight her consistent dominance and longevity in the sport.
Moreover, at 27 years old, should Simone Biles win the all-around gold in Paris, she would become the oldest woman to win this title in 72 years. Since Maria Gorokhovskaya of the Soviet Union won in 1952 at the age of 30, no woman as old as Biles has reached the pinnacle of all-around Olympic gymnastics. This would make her the second oldest all-around champion in Olympic history, showcasing her remarkable staying power and continued excellence in a sport often dominated by younger athletes.
Even securing any medal in Paris would break another age-related record for American gymnastics. Simone Biles would become the oldest American woman to win an Olympic gymnastics medal since 1948. In that year, three members of the U.S. women’s bronze-winning team were between 27 and 29 years old. Furthermore, a single gold medal would make her the oldest American woman to ever win Olympic gold in gymnastics, surpassing Aly Raisman’s record from 2016 at age 22.
Looking at the broader international context, a gold medal in Paris would also position Simone Biles as the oldest woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics in 60 years. Polina Astakhova of the Soviet Union achieved this feat in 1964 at age 27. Biles, potentially at the same age, could equal this record and further cement her place among the legends of gymnastics, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
As Simone Biles approaches the Paris Olympics at the age of 27, she is not just competing for medals; she is challenging perceptions of age and athleticism in gymnastics. Her pursuit of these records is a testament to her enduring dedication, exceptional skill, and unwavering spirit, inspiring fans worldwide and further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
