In August 2024, a heartwarming and emotional video began circulating on social media platforms. It purports to show a young woman in her first years of gymnastics. The video shows a little girl, identified as none other than Simone Biles, attempting a jump, stumbled and fell.
The clip captures the poignant moment when the young gymnast is visibly disappointed and can be seen wiping tears from her eyes as she leaves the mat. This short but powerful footage quickly garnered widespread attention, with viewers admiring Biles’ evolution from determined child to world-famous Olympic champion.
Watch little Simone Biles disappointed with her own performance
The video first attracted attention on August 1, 2024, when a Facebook Reel was posted with the footage. The Reel, which was a repost of a TikTok video from August 2023, quickly went viral. It has garnered around 107,000 likes and 6,600 shares.
The original TikTok post had also attracted a large number of viewers. Viewers are drawn to the young gymnast’s raw emotions and vulnerability. Both the TikTok and Facebook posts included captions that made viewers sympathize with Biles. Phrases like “watch little Simone Biles get upset about falling on vault” and “that little pouty face, I love her so much.” These captions emphasized the affection and empathy that fans feel for Biles. Not just as a successful athlete, but as someone who has faced challenges and overcome them.
Another version of the video was shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on August 5, 2024. This post added a layer of emotional depth by setting the footage to Queen’s iconic song “We Are the Champions.”
The combination of inspiring music and the images of a young Biles struggling but persevering resonated with millions. The video received around 26.3 million views, 168,000 likes and 800 replies.
Comments on the post were full of praise and admiration, with one user noting, “A perfect example of the power of deep humility. Overconfidence and learning to embrace that pain leads to mastery in a way that a lack of humility cannot. Absolutely inspiring.” Another commenter added, “10 years later, she is the best gymnast of all time,” highlighting the incredible journey Biles has taken since those early days.
Despite the video’s wide distribution and emotional impact, there has been no official confirmation from Simone Biles or her representatives that the girl in the video is actually her. Snopes, a fact-checking website, reached out to Biles’ team for confirmation, but no response had been received at the time of this writing. However, two key pieces of evidence suggest that the video is likely authentic.
First, the footage appears in a longer video titled “Simone Biles’ Earliest Days in Gymnastics: Rare Footage,” posted by NBC Sports’ official YouTube account on July 18, 2019. In that video, the section circulating on social media begins at about 01:13. NBC Sports did not provide specifics on when or where the footage was shot. The fact that it was included in an official video lends credence to the claim that the young gymnast in the video is Biles.
The second piece of evidence comes from the 2021 Facebook Watch documentary “Simone vs. Herself.” The exact clip from the viral social media posts could not be found within the series. However, several archive clips from throughout the show show a young Biles in a leotard and with a hairstyle very similar to those in the viral video.
For example, in the first episode, at around 00:28, a young gymnast who looks very similar to Biles can be seen, further suggesting that the video may actually be an authentic depiction of Biles during her early gymnastics career.
Let’s look at Simone Biles’ further performance at the Paris Olympics
The emotional impact of this video goes beyond its nostalgic appeal. For many, it is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that have defined Simone Biles’ career.
Watching a young child experience disappointment only to grow into one of the most successful gymnasts in history is a compelling example of perseverance. This story is particularly touching for those who understand the challenges of competitive sport. Early failures often lay the foundation for later success.
When the 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded on August 11, Biles played a significant role in the event, but not as a participant in the closing ceremony. Instead, she held a different and more prestigious role, helping Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass open the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Read also: MyKayla Skinner’s husband praises his wife amid ‘death threats’ over feud with Simone Biles: ‘The strongest person I know’
The ceremony paid tribute to Olympic history and honored the best female marathon runners. Biles took the stage to receive the Olympic flag alongside Mayor Bass, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Paris Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet. This moment symbolized the passing of the torch from Paris to Los Angeles and underscored Biles’ continued importance in the world of gymnastics and the Olympic movement.
The viral video of a young Simone Biles reminds us of her humble beginnings, and most importantly, the incredible journey she took to become one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Let us know what you think of this video in the comments.
Read also: The 5 most beautiful female athletes who participated in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
