Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time delivered the keynote address at Washington University’s 2025 graduation ceremony.
She also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Despite the rain, the crowd of students, faculty, and families gathered in their caps and gowns to hear Biles speak on resilience, self-worth, and the value of persistence.
“The world doesn't need you to be perfect,” Biles told the graduates.
“It needs you to be bold, it needs you to care and to keep going even when things don't go as planned. So go out there and write your own story, only one you can tell.”
Her speech emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health, finding purpose in one's work, and embracing the journey, not just the achievements.
She shared personal insights about sacrifice and the pressure of high-level competition, urging students to stay grounded: “Take a deep breath when you need it. I've done it many times.”
Her words resonated deeply with the graduating class as they prepared to leap into the next chapter of their lives.
Biles closed her speech with a powerful message: “To become the greatest you of all time.”
Her presence and story were met with thunderous applause, marking a memorable and emotional moment in the university’s commencement history.
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