On Saturday (March 4) and Sunday (March 5), the most-decorated US gymnast and inspirational author, Simone Biles, visited Willow Creek Community Church (67 Algonquin Road) as part of the church’s Inspire Everyone, Always message.
Simone Bile’s entrance into the world of gymnastics started on a daycare field trip in her hometown of Spring, Texas, but it was her God-given talent, passion, and perseverance that made her a three-time All-Around World Champion and Olympic gold medalist —and one of the top gymnasts in the world. With nineteen medals under her belt – fourteen of them gold – Simone has been dubbed “the most talented gymnast of all time” by peers and sports legends alike.
During services, she spoke about the challenges and trials of her journey – and the faith and family that carried her from an early childhood in foster care to a coveted spot on the 2016 Olympic team, as depicted in her recent book Courage to Soar. A special meeting that took place during the service was when Simone went out of her way to meet church attendee, 14-year-old Jessica Gianopolus (IMG 4121), who brought her 20 Special Olympics medals to church, one of which was a Gold she won last year at State in the All-Around for gymnastics.
Willow Creek hosts guests with incredible faith stories to inspire people everywhere. They recently hosted Super Bowl-winning Hall of Fame coach, Tony Dungy, and their next guest speaker will be New York Times bestselling author, Anne Lamott, on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. All are invited to attend services, and those who are unable can tune in to willowcreek.tv. For additional information, visit WillowCreek.org.
