They shattered one of the hallmark values of gymnastics itself—perfection—by mastering skills so difficult that stepping out of bounds didn’t mean the end of everything. They were loud. They had opinions. They weren’t flawless. They carved out space for female gymnasts, for all women, to be a little less perfect, to step outside our pretty boxes, to be human—and still be golden.
This whole piece was very, very good. The Olympics are a time to celebrate greatness and Biles exemplifies it.