Simone Biles Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom as Most Decorated Gymnast in History

Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in early 2025. With 37 combined World Championship and Olympic medals — including 11 Olympic medals from three Games — Biles has redefined what is possible in her sport, introducing skills so difficult they have been named after her.

Beyond her extraordinary athletic career, Biles has been celebrated for her courage in speaking openly about mental health challenges. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, she withdrew from several events to prioritize her wellbeing, sparking a global conversation about the pressures athletes face. Her decision helped destigmatize mental health struggles in elite sports and inspired countless young athletes to put their health first. The Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, recognizes both her unmatched contributions to gymnastics and her role as a voice for athlete welfare.

“With 37 combined World Championship and Olympic medals — including 11 Olympic medals from three Games — Biles has redefined what is possible in her sport, introducing skills so difficult they have been named after her.”