“I’m the first Simone Biles.”

I am like any typical teenager.

We go to church on Sunday and then have family dinner. My mom usually cooks, and most of the time, it’s protein and something else. She will ask us kids what we want!

When I was younger, I thought every kid was adopted because that’s all I’ve known. I have everything I need, so I never felt the need to have answers for what happened.

Mentally, I have to get my body and mind in the right place before I start the routine, but once into the zone, it’s like I turn on a switch. I envision myself doing the same thing for the Olympic Games.

I have dual citizenship.

I would be like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I wish I could go to prom.’ But then I think, ‘You know what? A lot of people can’t say they’ve ever done what I do – they’ll never have this opportunity.’

So far, my goals stops at making an Olympic team, and then if that happens, then I’ll jot down more goals.

Most people would focus on concentrating more, and I can’t do that. It almost makes me overthink a lot of my things. I have to focus on not thinking.

You can have fun and do well. Just let loose a bit.

You can still be very good at what you do and have fun.

We strive for greatness.

As a kid growing up, I was never like, ‘I want to go to the Olympics,’ so having to pass on 2012 because I was too young didn’t bother me at all.

I always say my biggest competitor is myself because, whenever I step out there on the mat, I’m competing against myself to prove that I can do this and that I am very well trained, prepared for it.

In the morning, I usually get up between 7:40 A.M. and 7:45 A.M., and then I’ll brush my teeth, do my hair, and just throw on my leotard and my clothes and go to the kitchen.

My mom, Nellie, got me a rosary at church. I don’t use it to pray before a competition. I’ll just pray normally to myself, but I have it there in case.

Most athletes get intimidated once they see how many fans are out there, but it almost calms me down in a way because I think of it as a fun way to show off what I’ve been working on.

Take time to get help for your mental health. It’s worth it to get to your full potential.

My mother taught me that no matter how you earn a living, whether you’re a caregiver or truck driver, grocery store clerk or small business owner, every job has inherent value and worth.

Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime’s work, but it’s worth the effort.

Know your worth without letting go of yourself.

Someone rejected you does not mean you are not worthy. Maybe they can’t afford to be with you.

Love’s worth every struggle and sacrifice because what you get in the end will bring you more joy than anything else in the world.

I am fire, carrying the potential to burn whole forests down, and only because it feels inconvenient i will not settle for a flame.

I want someone to kiss my scars and tell me I’m beautiful still, that even after my scars I’m worthy to be loved and seen, i want someone to tell me that warriors do not come clean.