Simone Biles, a seven-time Olympic medallist and 19-time World Champion, has been named as the godmother for Celebrity Beyond, the latest Edge-class ship from Celebrity Cruises.

Biles will name Celebrity Beyond at an official ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on 4 November 2022.

The gymnast joins Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, and Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, who are godmothers of Beyond’s sister ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, respectively.

Celebrity Cruises president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: “Simone is truly the G.O.A.T inside and outside of the gym, and I’m humbled and thrilled to welcome her as godmother of our newest ship Celebrity Beyond.

“While I’ve marvelled at her abilities and historic accomplishments as a gymnast, it’s Simone’s courage to speak out and her ability to help others be better in sport and in life that has impressed me the most.

“She has risen to the occasion and overcome challenges time and time again. She is an inspiration.”

Biles added: “I have a lot of great memories of cruising with my parents while growing up, so I am beyond excited to serve as godmother of Celebrity Beyond.

“I am honoured to join such a distinguished group of game-changing women and appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognising our accomplishments, and hopefully inspiring the next generation of women.”

Celebrity Beyond began its inaugural season on 27 April with a 10-night sailing from Southampton to Barcelona.

The ship will spend the summer sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean, before making its way to Fort Lauderdale in November for the naming ceremony and a winter season of five and nine-night Caribbean sailings.