During the Tokyo Olympics, gymnastics star Simone Biles abstained from the team final (opens in new tab) after her vault performance. She later said (opens in new tab) that she abstained for her own health (opens in new tab) and that "there is more to life than gymnastics." She explained: "This Olympics hurt me because I wanted to do it for myself, but I still feel like I'm doing it for someone else, like I'm doing something I love and it's being taken away from me.

Biles, who won four Olympic medals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the most ever by a gymnast (opens in new tab), is known for being open about her struggles and keeping her own standards high. What happened at the Tokyo Olympics may have surprised hardcore fans and spectators, but Biles never shies away from difficult subjects that mean a lot to her. From her record-breaking performance to her disclosure that she is one of the first gymnasts to survive early sexual abuse, she continues to be who she is. Below are some of her most famous quotes, representing both her competitive spirit and her quest for balance and health.

"Work silently and make success sound (opens in new tab)"

When asked for advice for women inspired by her (opens in new tab): "Always enjoy [what you are doing] and make sure it is your decision. If it's not your decision, you're not enjoying it, and if you're not enjoying it, you may not enjoy it. If you enjoy it, then it's the best memory you'll ever have."

On gaining competition experience (opens in new tab): "A successful competition to me is always going out there and putting 100 percent into what you're doing. It's not about winning all the time. I think people make the mistake of thinking it's just about winning. But for me, it's about hitting the best sets, gaining confidence, and having a good time."

On finding joy (opens in new tab): "If you think of gymnastics as a job, it's too stressful. At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day."

On her body and overcoming her self-consciousness: "I was made this way for a reason, and I'm not going to let it get in my way.

On hoping to contribute to the group's gold medal: "The team comes first.

On his performance: "I'm not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I am the first Simon Biles."

Tweeting publicly about the abuse (opens in new tab): "After hearing the brave stories of my friends and other survivors, I know that this horrific experience does not define me. I am more than this. I am unique, smart, talented, motivated, and passionate. I promise myself that my story will be much greater than this and I promise you all that I will never give up. I will not let one man and the others who made him possible steal my love and joy."

On not doing mat talk (opens in new tab): "From a very young age [in gymnastics], you are taught to focus only on yourself. Whenever I compete, it's just me, my team, and my equipment. Before I compete, my mother always says, 'Do your best, Simon,' but other than that, I don't do anything special. I am who I am."

To the young women who look up to her (opens in new tab): "No matter how good you are in sports, in life, in work, the first thing people talk about is your looks. But you will still grow. You will become a great, great person. You are all beautiful inside and out." [Growing up, I didn't see many black gymnasts. So every time I saw a black gymnast, I wanted to be as good as them...I saw Gabby Douglas win the 2012 Olympics and I thought if she can do it, I can do it."

On holding gymnasts accountable for their involvement: "Personally, I don't think it's an obligation. I think it is an honor to speak up for the underprivileged and the voiceless. I also feel like it gives them strength."

"We can't feel comfortable promoting our sport if we are afraid that this might happen again because we haven't done our part. And the hardest part for us is that we have always done our part. We have always represented the United States the best we could, and we have always, almost always, come home with a gold medal every time I have represented us. It's as if we've done our part. Let's go."

On going to the Olympics after talking about abuse (opens in new tab): "I'm going to represent the United States, represent the World Champion Center, and represent black and brown girls around the world.

On her GOAT leotard (opens in new tab): "I just hope that the kids who grow up watching this will not be ashamed or embarrassed that they are good at what they do. And that's my problem, too. Anyone can say they're good at something, but once you admit it, it's not cool anymore. I want my kids to learn that yes, it is okay to admit that you are good or great at something."

On abandoning the team finals: "You have to let go of your pride. You have to do what is right for you, focus on your mental health, and not compromise your health and well-being. So I decided to take a step back."