If Simone Biles had it her way, she would have cartwheeled across the quad, tumbled down the aisle and vaulted straight onto the commencement stage before delivering her keynote speech to the 2025 graduating class at Washington University in St. Louis on Monday.
“I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage and do a little floor routine,” the 11-time Olympic medalist told the crowd.
But Biles stuck the landing anyway as she delivered her address and encouraged the 3,600 members of the class of 2025, to “write your own story — one that only you can tell.”
In addition to delivering the keynote, Biles also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, a symbolic title recognizing her remarkable achievements and her ongoing efforts to create meaningful change beyond the world of sports.
Biles took to Instagram to celebrate the way any GOAT would, with photos of herself decked out in full regalia along with a mic drop message.
"It’s Dr. Biles to you," she wrote in the post. "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!!"
Her fans immediately showed their support, with one responding, "This is amazing!!! Congratulations!" and another writing, "DR. GOATTTTTT!!!!"
Honorary degrees are typically bestowed for achievements in areas such as philanthropy, civic leadership, or public service. In Biles’ case, Washington University honored her not only as the most decorated gymnast in history, but also for how she “uses her platform to help advocate for change,” noting that her “extraordinary accomplishments have received widespread recognition.”
During her speech, Biles stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health, resilience, creativity in decision making and embracing leadership.
“Show up for yourself consistently,” she told the crowd.. “Do something every day that scares you. Put in the work on the days you feel like you’re not even in the right arena. When you’re consistent, when you bring your best to your practice every day, then you’ll be ready for the big moments.”