When it comes to inspiring the next generation, nobody quite does it like the queen of gymnastics. Simone Biles is simply an icon. But recently, a budding icon came to Biles’s attention. And that is none other than the five-year-old Nova Davidson. She might be young, but she is already a level 4 gymnast from Virginia. And young Nova’s goal? The Olympics.
Nova recently had the world’s eyes on her when she went viral. The five-year-old’s mom posted a video of her practicing on a beam. The video ended up getting over 44 million views. The video was enough to turn heads of the greatest in gymnastics itself, so much so that the G.O.A.T. herself had to take time out of the tour to appreciate it. Who is better than the G.O.A.T. herself to encourage the Biles in the making?
As someone who began training at 6, Biles understands Nova better than anyone. That’s why, amidst the hectic GOAT schedule, she surprised Nova on “The Talk.” And the G.O.A.T. was all praises for the prodigy! She went on to say, “I’ve seen the talent that Nova has. I actually got to meet her earlier this year, so I just wanted to be a part of her TV debut.” Just imagine being so talented that the queen herself appeared for you, that too bearing gifts!
Yes, that’s right. Simone Biles did not pop up empty-handed. She had a leotard waiting for Nova. And it’s no ordinary leotard either! “The leotards are from my holiday collection. They haven’t come out just yet, but I wanted you to be the first to have them, Nova,” said Biles. She did not stop there; in the video, Simone saw a prodigy with a golden journey ahead. But the advice she had for Nova was not about winning!
Biles, when asked if she had any words of wisdom to share, said, “Just always have fun and live in the moment.” These are not just loose words as a reminder to live in the moment, something that Biles herself does. In fact, the very beginning of her journey began with having fun. In a 2021 video, she went on to say, “I just had fun, and they sent a letter home, and mom asked if I wanted to join.” Thus began Biles’ gymnastics journey, and the rest is history.
The message Biles had for Nova Davidsson was one athlete telling the other that those 12 hours a week that Nova is putting into training are also to be enjoyed. And enjoyed just as much as the highs and lows of gymnastics.
Simone’s message is rooted in experience!
There are very few as qualified as Simone Biles to talk about greatness. At 27, she has not just defied the possibilities of gymnastics; she has redefined the sport itself. And her message to Nova comes from knowing that soon enough, the trials of age shall arrive. A trial that Simone is currently facing. In a sport where longevity is a question, Simone has spent 21 years on the mat, perfecting and pushing her limits. But that vigor just turned scary for her!
The ever-so-ambitious Biles, in the trailer of her upcoming Simone Biles Rising: Part 2, spoke about her fear. “Since I’m older, my body is on a ticking time bomb,” she says candidly. It’s a strong statement rooted in vulnerability and carrying the weight of expectations. Yet, it is also the very journey that informs her message to Nova. The zeal that Biles sees in the five-year-old is not so different from her own story. But in Biles’ story, it wasn’t long before the love for the sport met with the eclipses of pressure.
However, despite it all, Biles continues to perform. Whether it be coming back from Tokyo distraught or winning three gold medals in Paris, there is no stopping or dwelling on Biles’ story. As Biles herself puts it, “Nothing sets your heart on fire like being so determined for a goal, and you have one chance at it.” That is the experience that Biles lives for, and Nova is thriving for. Simone Biles’ appearance on the show wasn’t about leotards and accolades. But a heartfelt message rooted in the sacrifices and joys of gymnastics.
