Simone Biles’ first coach, Aimee Boorman, opened up in 2020 about the challenges she faced and the criticism she encountered throughout her career, especially during the formative years of training Biles. Boorman, who coached Biles from the age of six and helped guide her to become the most decorated gymnast in history, revealed that her unorthodox coaching methods were often ridiculed by others in the gymnastics community. Despite facing harsh judgment, Boorman’s unique approach ultimately helped Biles achieve unprecedented success in the sport.

Boorman’s coaching methods were unconventional in many respects. She focused on creating a positive, supportive environment that prioritized Biles’ mental and emotional well-being, as opposed to the more traditional, rigid approaches used by other coaches. Boorman’s training was known for being less about pure discipline and more about instilling confidence and a love for the sport in Biles. This approach, though effective, was often met with skepticism from critics who favored the more typical, authoritarian coaching styles that were common in gymnastics.

Boorman confessed that the criticisms were difficult to handle, especially when her methods were questioned by others in the field. She noted that there were times when she felt alone in her approach and struggled with the external pressure to conform to the established norms of gymnastics training. As she recalled, some of the criticism was harsh, and she was even ridiculed by fellow coaches and gymnasts. However, Boorman remained steadfast in her belief that fostering a nurturing and supportive environment was key to helping Biles reach her full potential.

The results of Boorman’s coaching speak for themselves. Under her guidance, Biles not only grew into a world-class gymnast but also blossomed as a resilient, confident young woman who could thrive under immense pressure. Biles went on to win multiple Olympic gold medals, World Championship titles, and set numerous records, becoming a symbol of excellence in the sport. Boorman’s approach, while initially doubted, proved to be an essential part of Biles’ success.

Despite the criticism she faced, Boorman never wavered in her commitment to Biles. She emphasized the importance of building trust between coach and athlete, and she always had Biles’ best interests at heart. Boorman’s willingness to go against the grain and develop a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding contributed to one of the most successful partnerships in sports history.