Simone Biles: Greatness Knows No Color | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Simone Biles: Greatness Knows No Color

Talent and hard work are the only things that matter.

21
Simone Biles: Greatness Knows No Color
cdn.newsday.com

With the 2016 Olympics underway, the world has seen such amazing and breathtaking accomplishments in sports by people who have come together to represent their home countries. We have seen people shatter records, some were their own records, and new comers completely blow their competition out of the water. And, while all of the events have had their greatest moments, there has been a lot of negative talk about some of the athletes. Specifically women of color.

The biggest example of this has to do with Simone Biles who dominated the world of gymnastics when she won three gold medals and one bronze medal. Her impossible flips and the incredible height she reaches blew viewers away. Everyone was talking about her and she soon became a star among Team USA. Now, you may be thinking that it would be impossible for people to put down such a high level of athleticism but you would be wrong. Almost immediately after Biles won her first gold medal, social media exploded calling her names I will not repeat and accusing her of winning based on the color of her skin. While that accusation may sound outlandish coming from an unknown Twitter user, it is not the first time someone said this.

Back in 2013, when Biles became the first black female gymnast to win a world championship, one of her competitors, Italian gymnast Carlotta Ferlito, who finished fifth, told a journalist that "I told Vanny (Ferrari) that next time we should also paint our skin black, so then we could win too." Although Ferlito backtracked and apologized for her comments, it didn't help that an official from the Italian Gymnastics Federation explained that Ferlito was referring to a new trend in gymnastics that "is going towards a technique that opens up new chances to athletes of colour (well-known for power) while penalising the more artistic Eastern European style that allowed Russians and Romanians to dominate the sport for years." Both of these people were trying to dismiss Biles' accomplishments as a fluke just because she happened to be born black and therefore only won because either the judges took pity on her or because the sport is now "playing to the advantages of black athletes".

Let me say this loud and clear: Simone Biles, and any athlete for that matter, are not great because of the color of their skin. These athletes are great because they work hard to achieve their dreams. They cut out a lot of their social lives and even time with family in order to train. They stay up late working out schedules, going over old routines, or for more practice time. To look at someone who has become an Olympic athlete and say they only won in their sport because they are a person of color is laughable. These men and women worked hard their entire lives to represent their countries; they had a choice and they chose to dedicate their lives to being the very best in the world. How about these haters stop being bitter and start recognizing excellence!

Congratulations to Simone Biles and the rest of Team USA! Don't worry about the hate; I know that I'm beyond proud to have you represent our country!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186644
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12631
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456248
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25604
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments