Simone Biles is a colossal figure, but even the biggest stars can appear small next to giants from other fields. After the gymnast’s victory, winning gold in the team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a photograph of the athlete alongside Shaquille O’Neal went viral again.
The photo, originally shared by Simone Biles in February 2017, shows the American gymnast next to the basketball giant and former NBA star. The most striking aspect of the image is the height difference between these elite athletes.
In the snapshot, Simone Biles and Shaquille O’Neal pose with a joviality that transcends sports. Biles, wearing a white tank top and a short black skirt, stands next to the imposing O’Neal in a suit and tie, reflecting a physical contrast that has once again captured the humor and admiration of social media.
Biles’ comment on the photo was a simple “hey Shaq” accompanied by a waving hand emoji.
How tall is Simone Biles?
Biles, known for her incredible power and acrobatic skills, stands at 1.42 meters tall. This height, though considered short by the standards of many sports, has not hindered the gymnast from reaching the pinnacle of success in artistic gymnastics.
In fact, a shorter stature, which might be a disadvantage in other sports, can be an advantage for gymnasts.
A lower height provides a lower center of gravity, making it easier to perform spins and acrobatic movements with greater speed and control. This is especially important in artistic gymnastics, where complex jumps and pirouettes are performed.
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How tall is Shaquille O’Neal?
Shaquille O’Neal stands at 216 centimeters tall.
What are Simone Biles’ contributions to gymnastics?
- Technical Innovation: Biles has revolutionized gymnastics with never-before-seen moves, pushing the difficulty and complexity to new levels. Her acrobatic skills, such as the “Biles” on floor and the “Biles II” on balance beam, have been named after her and have become iconic elements of modern gymnastics.
- Representation and Diversity: As an African-American woman in a sport traditionally dominated by white athletes, Biles has broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and opened doors for gymnasts from different backgrounds. Her success has inspired a new generation of athletes and helped diversify representation in gymnastics.
- Mental Health and Well-being: Simone is an advocate for mental health and athlete well-being. Her decision to prioritize her mental health at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics sparked an important debate about the pressure and expectations faced by elite athletes.
- Female Empowerment: Biles has become a symbol of female empowerment, even breaking a multi-million dollar deal with Nike to join Athleta, a brand that promotes and supports girls and women.
