Michelle Obama's advice to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is inspirational
The former First Lady's iconic catchphrase could stick with you too...
Michelle Obama's advice to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is inspirational as the young sports star revealed how the former First Lady had influenced her ambition.
There are not many people who can say they rubbed shoulders with Michelle Obama but young gymnast Simone did just that when she took to the stage at the White House, Washington DC, during a ceremony honoring the US 2016 Olympic and Paralympic teams who competed in Rio.
And if you're wondering what Michelle, 57, is doing now, she's still inspiring others.
Simone, 23, said, "I think she's been such an inspiration. Representation matters — kids looked at her and said, 'If she can be there, then I can too.' From the way she pushed boundaries to how she inspired young people to eat better and exercise, she changed so many lives," she told People magazine.
More from woman&home:
- best yoga mats - ideal for beginners, better balance, meditation and high-impact moves
- best running shoes for women - for casual jogs, long runs and beautiful trails
- best fitness trackers - to help you monitor activity, sleep and health metrics
A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)
A photo posted by on
But there's one iconic catchphrase that Michelle said during her speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention which has stuck with Simone.
She recalled, "For me, as an African American woman, something she said that I took to heart was 'When they go low, we go high,' " Biles reflects now. "Sometimes you have to be the bigger person. That'll always stick with me, especially being an African American. I like that one a lot."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Speaking about the time she met her idol, having filmed videos for Instagram together, Simone revealed Mrs. Obama even promised future sleepovers with her daughters Sasha, now 19, and Malia, 22.
She said, "She was so down to earth and so much fun. I really enjoyed my visit and I cherish those memories."
A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)
A photo posted by on
And it's heartwarming to see that once you cross paths with the former First Lady, who has since launched her own podcast, she doesn't forget you.
Michelle publicly championed Simone back in 2019 when she became the first woman in nearly 70 years to win six U.S. all-around titles at the U.S.A. Gymnastics Championships,
Mrs. Obama tweeted, 'Always breaking barriers, @Simone_Biles — couldn't be more proud of you!'
And Simone credits her as being part of the reason she's felt able to break down the barriers in society. She added, "She's such a role model that it makes you want to be the first in your category to do something, to strive to perfection."
Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 15 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She has covered all things Entertainment for GoodtoKnow, Woman&Home and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand.
-
The evolution of the Met Gala in pictures, from its origins to fun facts and the most iconic moments
The Met Gala has become the 'superbowl of fashion' - but how did it start and when did Anna Wintour make it fashion's big night out?
By Jack Slater Published
-
From Madonna to Beyoncé, we uncover the most iconic songs that are actually remakes
Sometimes a cover song becomes so iconic people don't even realise it is a cover to begin with - and these examples are proof
By Jack Slater Published