Simone Biles Reveals “Dangerous” Truth While Trying Out New Olympic Sport
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has never been afraid to take risks — but even she admits that some challenges are simply too dangerous to attempt. The American gymnastics icon recently revealed her honest thoughts after trying out a new Olympic sport: equestrian vaulting.
The 27-year-old superstar, who recently returned to the spotlight after a triumphant run at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has been spending her off-season exploring other athletic hobbies near her Texas home. One of those adventures led her to horseback riding lessons, which she documented for her fans online.
However, when asked if she would ever consider taking part in equestrian vaulting — a sport that mixes gymnastics and horse riding — Biles didn’t hesitate to give her verdict.
> “Absolutely not,” she said with a laugh. “It’s too dangerous, because you can’t control the horse.”
The seven-time Olympic medalist went on to describe her short experience riding, admitting it was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
> “At one point I thought the horse was going so fast, but it was actually just walking,” she joked. “I almost peed myself! I tried it once or twice and said, ‘I’m done.’”
A Champion Who Knows Her Limits
For an athlete known for performing moves so difficult that they are named after her — the “Biles” on floor and vault — hearing her call something “too dangerous” says a lot.
Her reason is simple: control. In gymnastics, every flip, twist, and landing depends entirely on her timing and precision. In vaulting, that control is shared with a 1,000-pound animal — one that can move unpredictably at any moment.
“I can control my flips, but I can’t control what the horse does,” she explained.
The Risk Factor
Interestingly, studies show that equestrian vaulting isn’t as statistically dangerous as many might think. According to sports injury data, vaulting records about 2.1 injuries per 1,000 training hours — far fewer than the nearly 15 injuries per 1,000 hours reported in elite gymnastics.
Still, Biles’ concern isn’t about numbers. For her, the danger lies in the type of risk — the kind that can’t be managed by skill alone. A small mistake in gymnastics might lead to a fall on a mat; a similar mistake on horseback could mean something much worse.
Life Beyond Gymnastics
Although she won’t be flipping off horses anytime soon, Biles says she enjoys learning how to ride and even hopes to master jumping in the future. It’s part of her effort to try new things after years of dedicating herself completely to gymnastics.
Her sense of humor and openness about fear show that even the world’s greatest athletes have limits — and the wisdom to respect them.
A Powerful Message
Biles’ honesty resonates beyond sports. It’s a reminder that courage isn’t just about doing the impossible; it’s also about knowing when not to.
As she continues to inspire millions, Simone Biles proves once again that strength comes not just from power and grace — but from humility, awareness, and the bravery to say “no.”
Tags: Simone Biles, Olympics, Gymnastics, Equestrian Vaulting, Sports News, USA Gymnastics