U.S. superstar gymnast Simone Biles, a devout Catholic, has attributed her success to her faith.
In a 2021 interview, Biles, who secured three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, expressed bewilderment at her physical capabilities calling them a “gift from God.”
As the most decorated U.S. gymnast with seven Olympic medals, Biles’ remarkable achievements are even more impressive given her challenging upbringing. With a mother battling addiction, Biles and her siblings were placed in foster care before being adopted by her grandparents, who introduced her to Catholicism.
Throughout her competitions, Biles carries a rosary in her bag and lights a candle before the image of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes, as reported by the CNA news agency. Her life’s trials have only deepened her faith, with the young athlete feeling “called by God” to overcome challenges and continue her gymnastic career.
This year’s Paris Olympics has seen several athletes openly discuss the importance of their faith. Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, known for his stoic demeanor, broke into tears after clinching his first Olympic gold medal in his fifth attempt, making the sign of the cross and thanking God for fulfilling his lifelong dream of winning Olympic gold for his country.
Rayssa Leal of Brazil, the youngest medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, continued to share her faith during the Paris Games.
After winning a bronze in skateboarding, she conveyed, “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life” in sign language during the medal ceremony. A video of her gesture has been widely shared on social media, resonating deeply amid the controversies of the opening ceremonies.
