Amanda Gorman Puts Simone Biles’ Greatness Into Words at InStyle Awards

By ShaCamree Gowdy Published: November 18, 2021

Amanda Gorman Puts Simone Biles’ Greatness Into Words at InStyle Awards

Simone Biles, left, and Amanda Gorman arrive at the InStyle Awards at The Getty Center on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

In Summary

Amanda Gorman celebrated Simone Biles’ originality and GOAT status with a special poem at the 2021 InStyle Awards.

Not many people can put into words the greatness that Simone Biles exudes as the world’s most decorated gymnast, but poet Amanda Gorman made it happen.

Gorman presented Biles with the Original Award during the 2021 InStyle Awards in Los Angeles, as reported by InStyle, but not before reciting an original poem in her honor titled “The Greatest.”

“I am here to celebrate the symbol that is Simone, most well-known for being the most accomplished gymnast of our time,” the piece began. “But it is time we see Simone as far more than her 32 medals. She is a champion because she never settles for less than the rebel she is.”

The poem seems to allude to Biles’ choice to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics, as well as her bravery in speaking out against former USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s abuse of herself and other competitors.

“Simone has shown that power is from listening to a voice that is your own, that greatness lies not in if we’ve won but if we’ve grown and that when one woman speaks her truth, she is never alone,” said Gorman, per PopSugar. “Simone is a fighter on fire, a survivor, speaking not a solo but as part of a choir, raising up the women beside her.”

Sprinkling a bit more Black girl magic throughout the event, Biles complimented Gorman and described her as “inspiring” as she accepted her InStyle Award.

She then spoke on what she believes constitutes an original, saying, “I think it’s about staying true to yourself in all aspects of your life, whether it’s your work life, your personal life, or your style. It’s embracing the idea that you do you.”

Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history, with 32 World Championship medals and seven Olympic medals. According to her website, she is the first female gymnast to win three straight World All-Around titles and the first American woman to win seven national all-around titles. She has been recognized by TIME 100 Most Influential, Forbes 30 Under 30 and USA Today 100 Women of the Century, among other accolades.

Gorman gained national attention after reciting “The Hill We Climb,” a highlight of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ inauguration ceremony. She’s since landed numerous endorsements and partnerships.