American gymnast Simone Biles flies through the air as though she was made for it. She has won more World Championship gold medals than any other female gymnast in history. She is also the first women gymnast to win three World all-around titles in a row. A complicated flip (翻转动作) she introduced in the 2013 World Championships is one of four skills that are named after her, and some consider her the greatest of all time.
Athletes are under pressure, and a small mistake can result in serious injury. At the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Biles experienced something gymnast call “the twisties,” which is when a gymnast has no idea where his or her body is in the air. Instead of putting herself and her team at risk, Biles gave up the competition. However, she worked out in a private gym and was able to compete in the last-scheduled individual event: the balance beam, winning the bronze medal.
When she was young, Biles was raised by her grandfather Ron, and was introduced to gymnastics at the age of 6 on a school field trip to a gym. She saw some gymnasts practicing, began copying their moves and insisted that her parents send her for gymnastics lessons. A coach at the gym also recognized her talent and sent a letter home asking her parents to send her for lessons.
Throughout her career, Biles has kept her passion for the sport, which can be seen clearly in the huge smile she often wears while competing. But she also wants people to know the importance of putting mental health first and not ignoring how stress can influence them.
In Biles’ 2016 memoir (回忆录), titled Courage to Soar, the book tells in her words “how my faith and my family made my wildest dreams come true. And how embracing a dream can give you courage to soar.” Biles’ ability to perform at the highest level has inspired new generations of athletes, but her willingness to be honest about her struggles inspires everyone.
【小题1】What does paragraph 1 mainly tell us about Biles?| A．Her high spirit. | B．Her wide fame. |
| C．Her great achievements. | D．Her wonderful skills. |
| A．She was seriously injured. | B．She had a hard time. |
| C．She got a gold medal. | D．She put her team at risk. |
| A．She has got the most gold medals in history. |
| B．Four skills were named after her in 2013. |
| C．She showed her talent for gymnastics at an early age. |
| D．Her grandfather insisted that she take gymnastics lessons. |
| A．Strong-willed and talented. | B．Confident and warm-hearted. |
| C．Determined and generous. | D．Hard-working and curious. |
