Michelle Obama Names Simone Biles to Sports Mount Rushmore
The former first lady highlighted the gymnast's strength and skill in a recent podcast interview.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Gymnastics
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Michelle Obama has selected Simone Biles for her personal Mount Rushmore of sports, alongside icons Serena Williams, Billie King, and Lisa Leslie. The former first lady praised Biles for her extraordinary physical strength, noting the gymnast can reach 13 feet into the air during her tumbling passes.
Why it matters
Obama described Biles as an athlete who can do it all, emphasizing that her dominance requires an unparalleled level of training and conditioning. This high-profile endorsement highlights Biles' sustained impact across multiple Olympic cycles.
Simone Biles is noted for her ability to reach 13 feet in height during tumbling passes, a feat that reflects the physical demands of her sport. Biles, currently 29, earned four medals each at the Rio, Tokyo, and Paris Olympic Games.
The players
Michelle Obama
She is the former first lady of the United States who remains a prominent public figure and advocate for health and fitness.
Simone Biles
She is a decorated American gymnast widely considered one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.
Serena Williams
She is a legendary former professional tennis player who won 23 Grand Slam singles titles during her career.
Billie King
She is a pioneering former tennis champion and activist who campaigned for gender equality in sports.
Lisa Leslie
She is a former professional basketball player who won four Olympic gold medals and was a cornerstone of the WNBA.
The details
During a conversation on the podcast Is She Game? with Coach Jackie J on October 20, Obama lauded Biles' versatility and conditioning. Biles subsequently acknowledged the honor by sharing a clip of the discussion on her personal Instagram account.
Timeline
2016: Simone Biles won four medals in the Rio Olympics.
2021: Simone Biles competed at the Tokyo Olympics.
2024: Simone Biles won four medals in the Paris Olympics.
October 20, 2026: Michelle Obama named Biles to her sports Mount Rushmore.
2028: Los Angeles will host the upcoming Summer Olympic Games.
Season Trajectory
This endorsement reaffirms Biles' status as a global icon as she weighs her future in the sport. It marks a continuation of the public support she received during the 2024 Paris Olympics floor exercise final.
Biles is currently weighing the possibility of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her potential participation remains a major focal point for the sport as the Olympic cycle progresses.
The takeaway
Biles continues to set the standard for physical strength and training in gymnastics. Fans should look toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games to see if she chooses to continue her storied career.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the sport, visit the United States Gymnastics section.
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