Simone Biles Stuns as Keynote Speaker at Washington University
Legendary gymnast Simone Biles proved she shines far beyond the gymnastics floor. On May 12, 2025, Biles delivered a powerful commencement speech at Washington University in St. Louis.
Even on a rainy day, her words brought sunshine to the proud graduates gathered for the special occasion. The seven-time Olympic medalist shared heartfelt advice and personal stories during her 12-minute speech.
From Olympic Champion to Doctor of Humane Letters
Before speaking to the crowd, Biles received an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. The honor recognized both her athletic achievements and her work as a mental health advocate.
“You might think I’m used to the spotlight,” she joked to the crowd, according to NBC Sports. “But I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage or do a little floor routine.”
Her humor lightened the mood as she admitted she was nervous to perform in this new role. But her message quickly turned inspiring.
A Message About Dreams, Detours, and Bold Choices
Biles opened up about her original dream of studying pediatric medicine at UCLA. As a young girl, she pictured herself as a nurse or pediatrician, helping children in hospitals.
“I always dreamed of going to college…to study medicine and enjoy all the fun of a campus,” she shared. “But for me, that dream bumped up against others.”
Ultimately, she followed her talent for gymnastics, a decision that led to incredible sports success. Yet Biles made it clear — choosing a different path doesn’t mean giving up on your worth.
Encouraging Graduates to Embrace Imperfection
One of the strongest points of her speech was about letting go of the pressure to be perfect. Biles reminded graduates that the world needs people who are brave, caring, and resilient — not flawless.
“The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold,” she told the audience. “It needs you to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.”
This advice comes from someone who’s boldly stepped back from competitions to protect her mental health. It’s a lesson that has resonated with people worldwide.
Another Triumph for Simone Biles’ Ever-Growing Legacy
Fresh from winning three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles can now add keynote speaker to her long list of accomplishments. She continues to inspire both inside and outside of sports arenas.
Her heartfelt, down-to-earth message left graduates encouraged to face life boldly, embrace change, and remain true to themselves. Biles’ speech wasn’t just about success; it was about showing up as your whole self.
