Toughness of gymnasts unparalleled BLAKE SEBRING | For The Journal Gazette As someone who covered high school gymnastics for a very long time, I can't believe “fans” are questioning Simone Biles' toughness or courage. Doing anything in gymnastics takes bravery: to throw your body 20 feet in the air and hope you land correctly or grab that bar with the correct grip and timing. I have yet to see a football player or wrestler attempt a flip on a balance beam, 4 feet off the ground and 4 inches wide. Gymnasts appear dainty, graceful and the best ones sometimes even elegant. They also might be the toughest athletes in their school.