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"The gym became my refuge"– When Simone Biles opened up about finding solace in training after not wanting to remain in private school for long time

Modified Dec 19, 2024 08:03 GMT

In her memoir Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, Simone Biles reflected on how the gym became her sanctuary during her early gymnastics career. She shared the difficulties she encountered in her school environment, particularly at a private institution, and how the gym offered her a much-needed escape.

As a young gymnast training at level ten, the Olympic champion was already juggling intense practice sessions with academics. However, her time at private school proved challenging, marked by academic stress and social isolation. These experiences left her longing for the comfort and sense of belonging she found at Bannon's Gymnastics.

Recalling the event, Biles wrote in her book:

"The gym became my refuge. I wished I could spend my days there instead of going to the private school between my morning and afternoon sessions. Even though I was the only team gymnast training at level ten."

At Bannon's, Biles forged meaningful friendships with teammates like Caitlyn Cramer and Rachel Moore, who became her closest confidants. These relationships provided emotional support and a sense of stability, which was lacking in her school life.

The gym was more than a training space for Simone Biles. It became a haven where she could express herself and envision her future. Away from the pressures and discomforts of school, it offered her a space to thrive. Ultimately, it was in the gym where she found the strength and inspiration to continue her journey toward greatness.

Simone Biles reflects on her journey to becoming an elite gymnastics

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Simone Biles' path to becoming a world-class gymnast required immense sacrifices, including leaving her public school and transitioning to a private institution after her family relocated from Shady Arbor Way. This change marked a challenging phase in her life as she grappled with balancing her gymnastics aspirations and the emotional loss of her close-knit friendships.

The decision to enroll in private school was intended to accommodate the demands of her rigorous training schedule. However, Biles struggled to connect with her new classmates, a stark contrast to the camaraderie and strong bonds she cherished in public school.

At one critical juncture, Biles faced a pivotal decision: remain in high school with her friends and forgo her Olympic dreams, or transition to home-schooling to continue pursuing gymnastics at the elite level.

Nellie Biles, her mother, offered unwavering support, saying, via bleacherreport.com:

"Whatever choice you make is totally going to change your life. I will support you either way. But I can't make this choice. This is your choice. This is your life."

The gold medalist expressed her thoughts:

"I never wanted to give up gymnastics. I did miss public school and the chance to be with my friends. That was hard, obviously. But I just couldn't give up what I had started."

After committing to gymnastics full-time, Simone Biles began competing on the international stage, showcasing her talent at prestigious events in Italy, China, and Germany.