4-Time Gold Medal-Winning Gymnast Simone Biles to Release Memoir 'Courage to Soar' This Fall
After wowing the world with her historic Olympic performance in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Simone Biles is preparing to release her memoir this fall.
Biles, the 19-year-old gymnast who won four gold medals and one bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, will release her book on Nov. 15, and hopes it will inspire readers to pursue their dreams.
"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," Biles said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "There 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."
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Along with her accomplishments, Biles' new book will also highlight some of the hardships she's had to endure in her young life.
"For me, it took years of training and perseverance to reach my goals," she said. "But looking back on it now, I'm glad I didn't give up."
Biles said growing up she "loved reading about other people's experiences, so it's cool that I've had the chance to ... tell my own story."
Biles, a Catholic, has set the bar in the world of gymnastics by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive world all-around titles before the Olympics in Rio. In Brazil, she set a new American record after receiving the most gold medals in women's gymnastics during the Olympics and becoming the most decorated American female gymnast in World Championships history.
The first African-American to be world all-around champion, leans heavily on her faith before big events. "Before a big event, I usually go to church and light a candle for St Sebastian, who is the patron saint of athletes," she revealed ahead of the Olympics.
Annette Bourland, senior vice president and group publisher at Zondervan, believes Biles has a story that will motivate fans.
"Simone's life and story will equip countless fans with the courage and motivation to move beyond 'life as it seems,'" said Bourland, who co-wrote the book with Biles. "Her mega-watt smile and poise, not to mention dedicated demeanor, set her apart. We could not be happier to work with Simone and her family on this project."
