After her quarterfinal victory against Madison Keys at the French Open, Coco Gauff spoke about the athletes who inspire her, emphasizing how Coco Gauff inspired by Simone Biles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone motivates her both on and off the tennis court. The young American highlighted the influence of these sports icons on her competitive spirit and personal growth.
The Impact of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Simone Biles on Gauff’s Determination
Coco Gauff described Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s relentless drive on the track as a major source of inspiration, particularly her ability to overcome significant challenges. In addition, Gauff expressed admiration for Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast, praising her sustained excellence despite facing numerous obstacles during her career.
Beyond track and gymnastics, Gauff also recognized other legendary athletes like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant as key figures who have motivated her.
“Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is someone that I really like and look up to in that way, Simone Biles, I think she pushes herself and to me I think that’s crazy because in tennis we had Rafa, Roger and Novak all pushing each other but in gymnastics she kind of doesn’t really have anyone. So, the fact, she’s able to move that needle against herself I think is pretty cool,” she said
Within tennis, Gauff mentioned Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic as some of the most exceptional athletes she admires for their achievements and dedication.
“You have the obvious LeBron James, Michael and Kobe with that Mamba mentality I think people look up to outside of tennis and in tennis you know, the usual Serena, Rafa, Novak, Roger the best of the best is people I look up to,” she added.
Gauff Reflects on Simone Biles’s Boldness and Mental Health Advocacy
In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Coco Gauff elaborated on her respect for Simone Biles, who she described as a trailblazer in openly addressing mental health challenges in the athletic world. Biles’s decision to prioritize her wellbeing during the Tokyo Olympics profoundly resonated with Gauff, who emphasized the importance of mental and physical health for athletes competing under pressure.
“Simone, for me, was one of the first people I’ve heard talk about (mental health) on such a stage. She was, for me, the first athlete that I saw, actually take a break and do what’s best for her,” she said.
“I think a lot of times as athletes we kind of put our sport above our well being and so for her to be like, ‘Hey, I know I’m not fit for this at this moment, but I’m going to take the time I need and come back even stronger,’ I think that just shows resilience. I think that shows strength. And I think it’s as important as your physical health,” she added.
Gauff also shared her excitement about meeting Simone Biles at the Olympic village, describing the opportunity for conversation as an important and inspiring moment.
How These Influences Shape Gauff’s Journey
Coco Gauff’s admiration for athletes like Simone Biles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reflects her broader approach to growth, combining physical skill with mental resilience. Their examples encourage her to push beyond limits, even when external support may not be as visible, as in Biles’s case. Furthermore, the values shared by iconic figures in basketball and tennis contribute to her holistic perspective on competition and personal development.
As Gauff continues her promising tennis career, the influence of these trailblazing athletes is likely to be a cornerstone in her pursuit of excellence, inspiring her to navigate challenges with strength and focus.