Simone Biles receives honorary Doctorate from WashU
Simone Biles’ Honorary Degree: A Celebration of Excellence
Washington University in St. Louis bestowed an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, during its commencement ceremony. Dressed in a green doctoral robe, Biles delivered a heartfelt address to graduates, blending humility with inspiration. This accolade adds another milestone to her extraordinary journey, captivating fans eager to learn about her latest honor and storied career. This article explores Biles’ honorary degree, her groundbreaking achievements in gymnastics, and the powerful message she represents.
Simone Biles: The Greatest Gymnast of All Time
Simone Arianne Biles Owens, born March 14, 1997, has redefined artistic gymnastics with her unparalleled skill and resilience. With 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, Biles is the most decorated gymnast ever, surpassing all male and female competitors. Her Olympic haul, including two individual all-around golds (2016, 2024), ties her with Věra Čáslavská as the second-most decorated female Olympic gymnast. She holds the record for the most Olympic medals by a U.S. gymnast, cementing her status as one of the greatest Olympians.
Biles’ dominance extends to the World Championships, where she’s earned 23 gold medals, including six individual all-around titles (2013–2015, 2018–2019, 2023). She’s also a six-time floor exercise champion, four-time balance beam champion, and two-time vault champion. Her versatility is unmatched—she’s the first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every event and the only woman to attempt the most difficult skills on vault, beam, and floor. Fans searching for Biles’ achievements will find her legacy as a trailblazer front and center.
The Honorary Degree: A Moment of Recognition
Washington University in St. Louis, a prestigious institution known for academic excellence, honored Biles with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree at its 2025 commencement. The degree recognizes her contributions to sports, mental health advocacy, and societal impact. Clad in a green doctoral robe, Biles addressed the graduating class with a message that resonated deeply: “Success isn’t just about winning—it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard.” Her words reflected her journey of overcoming adversity, making the moment a highlight for attendees and readers seeking inspiration.
The ceremony, held on WashU’s campus, celebrated Biles’ influence beyond gymnastics. As a role model for perseverance, she’s inspired millions, particularly young women and athletes of color. This honorary degree joins her 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom and four Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year awards (2017, 2019, 2020, 2025), underscoring her cultural significance.
Simone Biles’ Olympic Journey: Triumphs and Challenges
Biles’ Olympic career is a testament to her brilliance and resilience. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she led the U.S. team, dubbed the “Final Five,” to gold, winning individual all-around, vault, and floor exercise golds, plus a balance beam bronze. In 2020 (held in 2021), she faced a major setback with “the twisties,” a mental block causing disorientation during twists. Prioritizing her mental health, she withdrew from most events but still earned a team silver and balance beam bronze, earning praise for her courage.
Her comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics was historic. Leading the “Golden Girls” to team gold, Biles reclaimed the individual all-around and vault titles, won a floor exercise silver, and became the oldest female gymnast to win all-around gold at 27. Her 11 Olympic medals reflect not just athletic prowess but an ability to thrive under pressure, a story that captivates readers searching for her Olympic achievements.
World Championships Dominance: Setting Records
At the World Championships, Biles has no equal. Her 30 medals, including 23 golds, make her the most decorated artistic gymnast ever. She’s won six all-around titles, a record, and holds the most titles on floor exercise (six) and balance beam (four). Her 2018–2019 vault golds and five team golds with the U.S. further highlight her dominance. In 2023, she added four medals, including all-around and floor exercise golds, proving her longevity.
Biles’ technical innovation sets her apart. She’s the originator of the most difficult skills on vault (Biles II), balance beam (Biles), and floor exercise (Biles II), all named in“Kā” her honor. As the first gymnast to attempt these, she’s pushed the sport’s boundaries, making her a focal point for fans researching her contributions to gymnastics.
Domestic Success: Rewriting U.S. Gymnastics History
Domestically, Biles has rewritten the record books. Her nine U.S. national all-around championships (2013–2016, 2018–2019, 2021, 2023–2024) are a record, with her 2024 win at age 27 making her the oldest female winner. She’s also a seven-time champion on vault, balance beam, and floor exercise, and a two-time uneven bars champion. In 2018 and 2024, she became the only woman to sweep all five golds at a single U.S. Championships, a feat that underscores her versatility.
Her 2023 U.S. title, her eighth, broke a 90-year-old record held by Alfred Jochim, a milestone that resonated widely. For readers seeking details on her domestic dominance, Biles’ consistent excellence is a compelling narrative of perseverance and skill.
Mental Health Advocacy: A Legacy Beyond Medals
Biles’ influence extends beyond the gym. Her 2020 Olympic withdrawal to prioritize mental health sparked global conversations about athlete well-being. By openly discussing “the twisties” and her struggles, she destigmatized mental health challenges, earning admiration from fans and advocates. Her 2024 Laureus Comeback of the Year award reflects her triumphant return, inspiring those researching her impact on sports culture.
Biles has also used her platform to address systemic issues, including her criticism of USA Gymnastics’ handling of the Larry Nassar scandal. As a survivor, her advocacy for accountability and athlete safety has made her a powerful voice, aligning with user intent to understand her broader societal contributions.
Life After Olympic Gold
At 28, Biles shows no signs of slowing down. While she hasn’t confirmed plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, her 2024 performance suggests she could continue competing at an elite level. Beyond gymnastics, Biles is expanding her legacy through philanthropy, business ventures, and advocacy. Her Gold Over America Tour, a gymnastics showcase, continues to inspire young athletes. In addition to her partnership with brands like Athleta reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit.
The WashU honorary degree may signal more academic or leadership roles in her future, as fans speculate about her next chapter. For now, her message to graduates—embrace challenges with courage—resonates as a guiding principle.
Why Simone Biles’ Honorary Degree Matters
Simone Biles’ honorary degree from Washington University in St. Louis is more than a ceremonial honor. But rather recognition of her transformative impact on sports and society. Her journey from a young gymnast to a global icon inspires readers seeking stories of resilience, excellence, and purpose. Furthermore, it solidifies her as a leader for young black women everywhere. Biles’ story reminds us that true greatness lies in lifting others while rising above challenges.