Simon Biles, the greatest gymnast of all-time, executed a moving address at Washington University’s 2025 graduation ceremony.
In the rain and wearing graduation garb, the graduates, their guests and faculty listened to Simone Biles speak words of wisdom to the grads.
“You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage or do a little floor routine,” she said with chuckles, drawing applause. “But really, today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you are elite students.”
“The world doesn’t need you to be perfect,” Biles continued. “It needs you to be bold, it needs you to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. So go out there and write your own story, only one you can tell.”
She spoke to finding joy at work, sacrifices made and the importance of putting one’s own health above all else. In times of pressure, she recommended taking deep breaths, as she has done on various occasions.
Biles told the crowd “to become the greatest you of all time.”
On Monday (May 12), the artistic gymnast received an honorary degree from Washington University in St. Louis and was bestowed the title of Doctor of Humane Letters.
Biles showed off her diploma with a playful caption that read, “Call me Dr. Biles from now on,” along with the background audio referencing not having a main job but having a degree.
Biles is currently married to St. Louis native Jonathan Owens, who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers.
Apart from being one of the most decorated athletes in the world, Biles also works to advocate for athletes’ mental health, sexual assault victims and foster care children. She also earned the distinction of having five skills named in her honor, named “The Biles” which include beam, floor and vault skills.