In a luminous chapter of personal milestones, gymnastics icon Simone Biles has added another meaningful distinction to her extraordinary legacy—one that celebrates her impact beyond the vault and balance beam.
The 11-time Olympic medalist, whose grace and power have redefined athletic excellence, recently shared news of receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Washington University in St. Louis, where she delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of 2025.
“It’s Dr. Biles to you,” the celebrated gymnast wrote on social media with characteristic charm, “but in all seriousness, thank you @washu for allowing me to do the commencement speech! Congrats to all the Graduates. Truly inspiring! Good luck with all your future endeavors!!”
This academic recognition, bestowed upon individuals who have distinguished themselves outside the realms of science, government, literature, or religion, arrives during what can only be described as a remarkable season of acclaim for Biles.
The past weeks have witnessed her receiving the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year honor at the Laureus World Sports Awards alongside the Impact Award at the TIME100 gala—acknowledgments that speak to her transformative influence both within and beyond athletics.
Biles has also navigated these professional triumphs while nurturing her relationships. She made memorable appearances with husband Jonathan Owens, the Chicago Bears’ safety, at both the Kentucky Derby and the 2025 Met Gala. The couple’s coordinated ensembles at these high-profile events sparked admiration across social platforms, highlighting their growing presence as a beloved cultural duo.
The gymnastics virtuoso’s newest title sparked an affectionate social media response, with supporters creatively merging her academic honor with her well-established athletic moniker: “Dr. GOAT”—a testament to how deeply her excellence has resonated with a global audience.
As Biles continues her extraordinary journey—now with “Dr.” preceding her name—her evolution represents more than athletic achievement. It embodies a nuanced narrative of personal growth, cultural impact, and the redefinition of what it means to be both an Olympic legend and a multidimensional public figure whose influence transcends any single arena.
For Dr. Simone Biles, the next chapter awaits—though if recent weeks are any indication, it will surely be written with the same boundary-breaking grace that has become her signature.
