The buzz around Season 23 of Dancing With the Stars is heating up, and the phenomenal Final Five gymnasts are consistently mentioned as potential cast members. Following their incredible performance at the Olympics, and as previously noted on social media on August 10th, these athletes are highly sought after for media appearances, especially with the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastic Champions on their schedule.
While the tour keeps them busy, some of the Final Five already have plans for the future. Madison Kocian is set to join UCLA’s esteemed gymnastics program. Aly Raisman, a DWTS Season 16 alum, is expected to be in demand for public speaking engagements, capitalizing on her inspiring comeback story. Laurie Hernandez, at just 16, has announced her return to the gym post-tour, hinting at a possible path towards the Tokyo Olympics.
Among the Final Five, Gabby Douglas seems like a compelling choice for DWTS. Her journey, marked by Olympic triumphs across two Games but also personal challenges including coaching changes and overcoming social media negativity, makes for a powerful narrative. Gabby Douglas’s resilience and story would resonate deeply with the DWTS audience, making her a strong contender for a future season, perhaps even Season 24, given the show’s penchant for emotional contestant arcs.
Then there’s Simone Biles. Undoubtedly, Simone Biles is at the top of many wish lists for Dancing With the Stars. However, it’s worth considering if DWTS is the most strategic move for her career at this juncture. While the allure of Simone Biles dancing with the stars is undeniable for fans, it might be beneficial for her to explore other avenues first.
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast; she is a generational talent, a GOAT – Greatest Of All Time. She stands shoulder-to-shoulder with sporting icons like Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Allyson Felix, and Katie Ledecky in terms of sheer dominance and impact. This level of exceptional talent opens doors to opportunities far beyond the dance floor.
For Simone Biles, this is a moment to leverage her unparalleled success to inspire and open doors for future generations, particularly young black gymnasts. Her achievements demonstrate the heights attainable through dedication and talent, and her positive sportsmanship sets a powerful example.
At her young age, Simone has the option to return to training for Tokyo, pursue a high-profile speaking career, or even pen a memoir detailing her extraordinary journey. Furthermore, her commitment to higher education at UCLA, mirroring 2012 Olympian Jordyn Wieber’s role as team manager, showcases her dedication beyond athletic competition. [ Editor’s Note: Her post-Olympics commitments might temporarily adjust her educational timeline. ]
Simone Biles is more than just a phenomenal athlete; she is an influential role model poised to achieve remarkable feats throughout her life. As an ardent admirer, it’s clear that Simone is destined for an even grander platform, a sentiment she echoed herself 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 forging her own extraordinary path.
