Serena Williams wrote a stirring tribute to fellow four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles for the 2021 Time 100.
The annual list celebrates the most influential people of the year, and the combination of Biles- athletic excellence and refreshing candor on mental health made her an obvious candidate.
-What she embodies truly reflects the endless potential of Black women,- wrote Williams. -I wish I had her to look up to when I was younger and trying to realize my dreams.-
When Williams- young daughter Alexis Olympia made her first steps into gymnastics back in 2019, she gave Biles a shoutout, hoping she can one day take a lesson from -one of the most decorated American gymnasts of all time.- The two both appeared earlier this week at the Met Gala in New York City.
There-s something poetic about the way Simone Biles moves. She-s a master of precision, grace and dominance, and at the age of just 24, she has cemented herself as one of the most decorated American gymnasts of all time. But when she-s not on the mat or competing in front of the world, Simone strikes the powerful balance between humility and confidence-she-s enthusiastic yet stoic, believing in her strength, trusting her body and embracing her greatness. With a total of 32 Olympic and world championship medals, Simone-s athletic achievements are seen once in a lifetime.
Simone-s greatest work, however, is what-s being done outside of the gym. She is using her mature voice and platform to share her personal journey of self-love, respect and acceptance-Simone is wise beyond her years. By living her truth so loudly and by championing mental health, she is setting new standards of beauty, strength and resilience, breaking down today-s image-obsessed stereotypes and encouraging others to do the same. Simone is a shining example of what success looks like when you let go of what the world thinks and gather your strength from yourself - from your soul.
Serena Williams, who is still nursing a hamstring string, has chosen to skip the season's final WTA 1000 event, the BNP Paribas Open, scheduled to be played in Indian Wells in early October.