It’s the Year of Simone, a tagline that in another context might be corny, but here is melting all inclinations towards cynicism (dubious news coverage notwithstanding). These two incredible women have made us proud to be freakin’ American despite it all and will provide lessons about talent, tenaciousness, hard work and good sportspersonship for generations to come. Normally I might be annoyed if a person named their baby some trendy thing based on their birth year—sorry to all future Daeneryses—but if you’re about to pop a kid and decide it should be called “Simone Manuel Biles [Your Last Name],” I salute you. Real-life Simone Biles and Simone Manuel, you rule.
Biles, 19, is considered the best gymnast the world has ever seen, and at Rio won two gold medals—one for Women’s Individual All-Around, and one for Team in the same category. Look at the form! Upside-down!