Simone Biles Makes History With Fourth Gold Medal
Simone Biles has accomplished so much and she's only 19. She made history at this year's Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she earned five medals (four gold, one bronze) and became the first female American gymnast to do so since Nastia Liukin in 2008. She was also chosen by American Olympians to be the nation's flag bearer at the Games' closing ceremony.
Now, she's getting ready to release her very own memoir. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times Biles will tell her life story in a new autobiography titled Courage to Soar, which will be co-written with journalist Michelle Burford. The book will also feature a foreword by gymnastic legend Mary Lou Retton.
Publishing company Zondervan will release the book on November 15.
"I want people to reach for their dreams. If you're willing to put in a lot of work, and if you're focused and determined, you can go really far. There [are] so many people who have inspired me with their love and encouragement along the way — and I want to pass on that inspiration to readers," Biles said in the publisher's release. "I feel honored to work with Zondervan. They publish so many great stories that inspire readers to live their lives with purpose."
Zondervan says that Biles' autobiography will address "challenges in her childhood" and "the ups and downs of her life."
"Simone's life and story will equip countless fans with the courage and motivation to move beyond 'life as it seems,'" Zondervan Vice President Annette Bourland said.
Biles was raised in Texas by her grandfather and his wife. Her biological parents both struggled with substance-use disorders and couldn't take care of Biles or her siblings.
Still, she's overcome such challenges and become an inspiration to people across the world. Some would even rightfully call her a superhero.
So it's understandable that Biles is getting a memoir and sharing her story with us.
