The world watched in awe as the Final Five dominated the Rio Olympics, and now, speculation is rife about which of these incredible gymnasts might grace the dance floor on Season 23 of Dancing With the Stars. The Olympic athletes are always highly sought after for media appearances, and the Final Five, with their captivating performances and personalities, are no exception. They also have commitments like the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastic Champions, making their schedules incredibly busy post-Olympics.
While fans eagerly anticipate news of the DWTS cast, some of the Final Five already have their paths charted beyond the gymnastics arena. Madison Kocian has set her sights on UCLA, joining their esteemed gymnastics program. Aly Raisman, a DWTS alum from Season 16, is expected to be a popular figure on the public speaking circuit, capitalizing on her inspiring comeback story. And the young talent Laurie Hernandez, only 16, has confirmed her return to the gym, aiming for the Tokyo Olympics and the next quadrennial.
Among the Final Five, Gabby Douglas seems like a natural fit for Dancing With the Stars. A two-time Olympian with remarkable achievements, Gabby’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She has navigated coaching changes, wrestled with self-confidence, and faced online criticism. Her resilience and compelling personal narrative would make her a compelling contestant, possibly for Season 24, offering the emotional depth that DWTS often highlights.
Then there’s Simone Biles, the name on everyone’s lips when discussing potential DWTS participants. While many fans are hoping to see her in the ballroom, there’s a case to be made that Dancing With the Stars might not be the best immediate step for Simone Biles right now.
Simone Biles is not just a gymnast; she is a phenomenon, a generational talent, the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). She stands alongside sporting icons like Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Allyson Felix, Katie Ledecky, and Kerri Walsh-Jennings in terms of sheer athletic prowess and impact. This level of exceptional talent opens doors to unparalleled opportunities, and it’s crucial for Simone to explore those avenues.
For a young Black gymnast to reach such heights of success is incredibly significant. Simone’s journey serves as a powerful example to aspiring young athletes, demonstrating what is possible with dedication and hard work. Her positive sportsmanship and inspiring story can resonate with the next generation, extending far beyond the gymnastics community.
Simone’s youth is also a key factor. She has the option to return to training for Tokyo 2020 (now 2021), embark on a high-profile speaking tour, or even pen a book detailing her extraordinary experiences. Furthermore, Simone has committed to furthering her education at UCLA, following in the footsteps of 2012 Olympian Jordyn Wieber, taking on a team manager role. [Editor’s Note: Post-Olympics, her educational plans might be temporarily delayed due to her busy schedule.]
Simone Biles is more than just a remarkable athlete; she is an exceptional role model poised to achieve extraordinary things in life. As a devoted admirer, many believe Simone has a larger platform awaiting her, a sentiment she seems to share. As she herself declared after her All-Around win on August 11th, “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the next Simone Biles.” And indeed, she is paving her own unique and brilliant path.
