Biles Poised to Cement GOAT Status at Paris Olympics
Simone Biles is set to compete in Paris, aiming to solidify her status as gymnastics’ Greatest of All Time. Biles, who dazzled at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games with golds in all-around, vault, floor exercise, and team events, faced challenges at the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health struggles known as the “twisties.” Despite some criticism, Biles’s openness about her mental health was lauded.
Returning from a two-year hiatus, the 27-year-old gymnast has shown she’s in peak form, increasing her tally of world and Olympic medals to 37 in 2023. Biles, now holding a record six world all-around titles, remains a star even among other celebrities.
With more than seven million Instagram followers, Biles shared her wedding to NFL player Jonathan Owens, who will be in Paris to support her.
Biles’s career has had its share of challenges, including her public revelation of being abused by former Olympic team doctor Larry Nassar. She has been a vocal advocate for accountability within USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Competing as the oldest US female gymnast since 1952, Biles joked about her age compared to her 2016 teammate Aly Raisman. “I definitely have to apologize to Aly for calling her grandma because, whew, I feel like I’m way older now,” Biles said.
Maintaining her physical and mental health, Biles continues weekly therapy sessions and trains at the World Champions Centre in Texas, owned by her parents, Nellie and Ron Biles. Her supportive environment includes coach Cecile Landi, who believes Biles is unstoppable when mentally and physically fit.
Biles will compete alongside teammates Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, Biles is ready to perform on her terms.
“Nobody’s forcing me to do it,” Biles said. “I wake up every day and choose to grind in the gym and come out here and perform for myself. Just to remind myself that I can still do it — that’s my why.”
(Source: AFP)
