Simone Biles: From Olympic Medal to Honorary Doctorate

Simone Biles - Ảnh 1. — 'Gymnastics queen' Simone Biles just received an honorary doctorate - Photo: Instagram

Before reaching the pinnacle of Olympic glory, Simone Biles gave up her lecture hall seat at the University of California (UCLA) to pursue a professional sports career.

Difficult decision

In 2014, at just 17 years old, Biles committed to the prestigious UCLA gymnastics team. But two years later, with four gold medals from the 2016 Rio Olympics, she chose the professional path and gave up her school dreams.

In her memoir, Courage to Soar , Simone Biles shared that it was not an easy decision. Especially when she had to call the UCLA head coach to say no: "It was very difficult for me to make that call. But I knew I was choosing a bigger path."

And indeed, Simone Biles was right. While many of her peers were busy conquering the NCAA, this little girl continued to rewrite the history of world gymnastics with a series of Olympic and world medals – a stability rarely seen in any sport.

Don't give up learning

Despite rejecting the traditional college path, Simone Biles never gave up on her studies. In 2018, she quietly enrolled in People University – a nonprofit online university – because it allowed her to balance her studies and training.

“I still want a college degree,” Simone Biles once said. “ Education should be something everyone has access to.”

And now, "Dr. Biles" is more than just a nickname. At the University of Washington's 164th graduation ceremony, she appeared resplendent in a blue gown and gold-tasseled cap, confidently walking across the prestigious stage at Francis Olympic Field to receive her honorary degree.

Call me Dr. Biles!

On Instagram, she shared this moment with the message: "Please call me Dr. Biles."

Not only making her mark in sports, Simone Biles is also an inspirational icon: she fights for mental health, actively participates in community activities, and speaks out on issues related to adoption.

Simone Biles didn't follow the traditional path. She chose to write her own story – the story of a champion, an inspiration, and now a proud American "Dr. Biles."