Simone Biles entered Paris with four gold medals and is dreaming of more during the 2024 Summer Games.
The 27-year-old American powerhouse could add to her career medal total on Tuesday, as Team USA competes in the women’s gymnastics artistic all-around event at Bercy Arena.
But before Biles became one of the most popular sport names on the planet, she was still proving herself to the world and building her personal brand.
Just eight years ago, Biles was a little-known 19-year-old snapping photos with athletic legends.
She also starred in a largely forgotten laundry detergent commercial that promoted her as ‘small but powerful’.
Tide brought together three generations of Olympic gymnasts for The Evolution of Power, which saw Biles unite with Nadia Comaneci and Dominique Dawes.
In 1976, Comaneci became became the first gymnast awarded a perfect 10 in the Olympics.
Twenty years later, Dawes became the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic gymnastics medal.
“Last but not least is Simone Biles, who is just wowing the crowds,” Dawes said. “She just won her fourth national championship consecutively, and we expect great things to come from her in Rio as well.”
When the talented trio posed for a photo, an eager fan tried to encourage a 19-year-old Biles.
“Good luck in the Olympics,” a fan tweeted. “Can’t wait to see all the action.”
“Big shoes to fill, but you’re surrounded by excellent people!” a second fan posted. “Good luck in Rio!”
Biles also starred in a tongue-in-cheek Tide Pods commercial that played off her “small but powerful” stature while she was still a relative unknown.
“Although just 4-8, Simone Biles is not to be underestimated,” the commercial said.
“Despite her size, Simone is packed with power. Refined, concentrated power.
“That’s why she trusts Tide Pods. She knows small can be powerful.”
In the commercial, Biles is promoted by flipping through the air, literally blowing away judges, throwing a bouquet of flowers into a smiling fan’s face, and knocking over a row of lockers — because she’s so powerful.
Biles also expertly loads a large tub of dirty laundry.
Later in Rio, a fresh-faced Biles claimed her first gold and proved that she belonged on an international stage.
“Ninety seconds away from a dream coming true,” an announcer said.
Biles emerged from Rio with four sparkling golds.
She could leave Paris with several more and has another chance to add to her now legendary Olympic name.
Eight years after winning her first gold in Rio and then enduring the twisties in Toyko, Biles might be bigger than LeBron James.
“I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps,” Biles said. “I’m the first Simone Biles.”
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News Summary:
- Simone Biles starred in forgotten TV commercial, then put world on notice as ‘small but powerful’ 19-year-old won first Olympic gold medal
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