Simone Biles Inspires Grads: 'The World Needs You to Be Bold'

Simone Biles Delivers Inspiring Commencement Speech at Washington University: 'The World Needs You to Be Bold' St. Louis, MO – Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles delivered a powerful commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis on Monday, May 12, 2025. In her speech, Biles, who also received an honorary degree, emphasized the importance of boldness and self-belief in achieving one's full potential. "The world doesn’t need you to be perfect, it needs you to be bold," she declared, encouraging graduates to embrace challenges and forge their own unique paths. Biles shared personal insights from her own journey, illustrating how her pursuit of excellence wasn't solely about achieving accolades but about becoming the best version of herself. "Being the G.O.A.T. was never the goal," she revealed, emphasizing personal growth over external validation. She also encouraged graduates to maintain a sense of responsibility towards those who might look up to them, urging them to "keep an eye on the rearview mirror as you pave a trail." The speech resonated deeply with the graduating class, who were inspired by Biles's message of resilience and leadership. One graduate commented, "Her words were so empowering. It reminded me that success is about more than just achievements; it's about the journey and the impact you make along the way." Biles's commencement address served as a powerful reminder that embracing challenges and striving for personal growth are key to achieving a fulfilling life.