Headline:Simone Biles: From Olympic Glory to Honorary Doctorate – A Journey Beyond the Gym… See below 👇

Headline:Simone Biles: From Olympic Glory to Honorary Doctorate – A Journey Beyond the Gym… See below 👇

Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, added another remarkable achievement to her illustrious career on May 12, 2025, when Washington University in St. Louis bestowed upon her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during its 164th commencement ceremony. This accolade, reserved for individuals who have made profound contributions to society, recognizes Biles not only for her unparalleled athletic achievements but also for her advocacy, resilience, and cultural impact. The honor comes a decade after Biles made the pivotal decision to forgo a traditional college path, including a commitment to UCLA’s gymnastics program, to pursue elite gymnastics and Olympic gold—a choice that reshaped her legacy and the sport itself.

A Fork in the Road: Choosing Olympic Dreams Over College
In 2014, a 17-year-old Simone Biles stood at a crossroads. Having signed a national letter of intent to join the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) gymnastics team, she was poised to compete in the NCAA, a path many gymnasts take to balance education and sport. However, Biles’ extraordinary talent and ambition pointed toward a different stage: the global arena of elite gymnastics. In her memoir, Courage to Soar, Biles recounts the difficulty of calling UCLA’s head coach to inform her of her decision to turn professional, a move that would disqualify her from NCAA competition due to rules at the time prohibiting athletes from earning money through sponsorships.

“I had planned to attend UCLA but had to defer because of my training schedule,” Biles said in a 2018 statement. “I still want to pursue a college degree, and the University of the People offers me the flexibility I needed.” Her choice to go pro was driven by a desire for financial stability and the freedom to focus entirely on Olympic training. Partnering with Octagon Sports Agency and brands like Nike and GK Elite Sportswear, Biles secured the resources to train rigorously and compete internationally, setting the stage for her historic performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

That decision paid off spectacularly. At Rio, Biles won four gold medals (team, all-around, vault, and floor exercise) and a bronze on balance beam, becoming the first female U.S. gymnast to claim four golds in a single Games. Her performance not only solidified her as a global icon but also marked a turning point for gymnastics, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Education on Her Own Terms
While Biles opted out of the traditional college experience, her commitment to education never wavered. In 2018, she enrolled at the University of the People, a tuition-free, online institution, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. As a global ambassador for the university, Biles emphasized accessibility in education, stating, “Education should be accessible for everyone.” Her decision to study online allowed her to balance academics with her demanding training schedule, reflecting her determination to growან

Biles’ enrollment at the University of the People was also a bid for normalcy amid a tumultuous period. In January 2018, she publicly revealed she was among the survivors of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, a scandal that rocked the gymnastics world. Her pursuit of education became a way to reclaim agency and look beyond gymnastics toward a future in the business world, inspired by her mother and brothers’ success in the field.

The Honorary Doctorate: A Celebration of Impact
On May 12, 2025, Biles stood on Washington University’s Francis Olympic Field, a historic site that hosted the 1904 Summer Olympics, not as an athlete but as a speaker and honoree. Dressed in a green doctoral robe with red and black trim and a gold-tasseled cap, she delivered a 12-minute commencement address that blended humor, vulnerability, and inspiration. “I am a little nervous,” she admitted, joking that she’d feel more comfortable vaulting onto the stage.

Biles shared her childhood dream of attending college to study pediatric medicine, a path she might have pursued had gymnastics not taken precedence. “I always dreamed of going to college, not just to be part of a collegiate gymnastics team, but to study medicine, to become a children’s nurse or a pediatrician,” she said. Yet, she drew parallels between her journey and that of the graduates, emphasizing resilience and authenticity. “You don’t have to be the greatest engineer, the greatest lawyer, the greatest entrepreneur, or the greatest social worker. You just need to be the greatest you that you can be,” she advised, a message that resonated deeply with the audience of over 17,000.

The honorary Doctor of Humane Letters recognized Biles’ transformative impact on sports and society. With 11 Olympic medals (7 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) and 30 World Championship medals (23 gold), she is the most decorated gymnast in history. Beyond athletics, her advocacy for mental health—sparked by her withdrawal from most events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the “twisties”—has shifted global conversations about athlete well-being. Her work with Friends of the Children, supporting foster care and adoption initiatives, and her role as a role model for young women and athletes of color further underscore her societal contributions.

Navigating Criticism with Grace
Biles’ announcement of her honorary doctorate, shared via a TikTok video where she quipped, “Call me Dr. Biles from now on,” sparked both celebration and controversy. While fans celebrated her new title, some social media users criticized her use of “Dr.,” arguing that honorary degrees don’t equate to earned doctorates. Comments like “Can we stop with the honorary degrees already?” and “You don’t deserve it unless it’s a PhD in gymnastics” surfaced online.

True to her no-nonsense approach, Biles responded with clarity and humility: “It’s literally just an honor, kind of like an award. It isn’t the same as an actual degree and we recognize that!” Her response quelled much of the backlash, and supporters, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, defended her, noting, “She’s not trying to be a medical doctor—she’s just being celebrated.” Honorary degrees, as given to figures like Oprah Winfrey and Dwyane Wade, are symbolic recognitions of societal impact, a criterion Biles undeniably meets.

A Legacy Beyond Medals
Biles’ journey from a foster care survivor to a global icon is a testament to her resilience. Adopted by her grandparents at age two, she discovered gymnastics at six during a daycare field trip. Her career, marked by five skills named after her (the Biles on beam, floor, and vault), has redefined the sport’s standards of difficulty and execution. Her 2024 Paris Olympics performance, where she won three golds and a silver, cemented her as the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast, surpassing Shannon Miller.

Beyond the gym, Biles continues to expand her influence. Her Gold Over America Tour inspires young athletes, while partnerships with brands like Athleta reflect her entrepreneurial spirit. Her 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom and four Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year awards (2017, 2019, 2020, 2025) highlight her cultural significance.

Looking Ahead
At 28, Biles remains noncommittal about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying, “Never say never, but I am getting really old.” Yet her 2024 performance suggests she could still compete at an elite level. The WashU honorary degree may signal future academic or leadership roles, as she continues to advocate for mental health and foster care initiatives.

Simone Biles’ story is one of choices, sacrifices, and triumphs. By turning down college for Olympic gold, she forged a path that not only elevated gymnastics but also amplified voices for change. Her honorary doctorate is not just a title—it’s a recognition of a legacy that transcends sport, inspiring graduates and fans alike to be the greatest versions of themselves. As she reminded the world with her diamond-encrusted GOAT necklace, Biles’ greatness lies not in perfection but in purpose.