Simone Biles, an American gymnast icon who is the most decorated Olympian in American history, is set to take the stage in the 2024 Olympic Games. Biles was last seen on the world stage in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she made the shocking decision to withdraw from multiple events in order to prioritize her mental health.
She has gone on to claim these Olympic Games as her “redemption tour”. Biles leads a star-studded U.S. women’s gymnastics team in Paris, along with other Olympic champions like Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles.
Overcoming Challenges
After the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she chose to withdraw from multiple events due to the “twisties” and mental health concerns, Biles has been open about her mental health journey. She has since dedicated herself to not only gymnastics, but working diligently on her mental wellness through therapy and mindfulness practices.
Her ability to recognize when to step back and recharge, has resonated with many people around the world. Her advocacy for mental health has lead to global conversation and inspired athletes and nonathletes around the world.
Biles on the “Redemption Tour”
Biles has widely dubbed the 2024 Paris Olympics as her “redemption tour”, which signals her determination to overcome her past challenges. Her determination reflects her growth, resilience, and unwavering spirit on the world’s stage.
Biles is not just concerned with winning medals, she is competing to demonstrate her mental and physical strength. She is also using this stage as an opportunity to rewrite her Olympic narrative, showing her setbacks can lead to a comeback.
Biles’ Role as a Leader
Even at the young age of 27, Biles is a seasoned leader on the women’s team. Her previous experience and journey established her as a mentor, particularly for her younger teammates like 16-year-old Hezly Rivera.
Aside from the obvious technical advice she provides, she also is an example for prioritizing mental health and self-care.
Evolution of Simone Since First Olympic Games
Simone entered the world stage at the young age of 16, and has since undergone major personal and professional growth. Starting as a child prodigy, Simone has matured into an athlete who understands the importance of both physical prowess and mental well-being.
Her approach to gymnastics has evolved, with a much more holistic view of success, which includes personal success and well-being. Her evolution is displayed in her performances, where she continuously pushes the boundaries of the sport and maintains her overall health and wellness.
U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team Dynamics
The projected Women’s gymnastics team for the United States in the upcoming Olympics will boast a star-studded lineup. It includes Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Healy Rivera. Those familiar with these names will recognize the unique blend of experience from previous games and new talent. Biles and Lee provide excellent leadership and guidance for the newer members of the group.
The team is well bonded with many of its members going through the challenges faced in the Tokyo Olympic Games, which formed a deep bond and the foundation for a mutual support system. As a whole, the group has a collective goal of redemption in Paris, which has done an excellent job of uniting the team together.
Biles’s Chance to Expand Medal Count
Biles currently stands as the most decorated gymnast in history, with an astounding 37 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her potential to add even more to her count in the 2024 Paris Olympics is supported by her most recent performance at the 2023 World Championships, in which she claimed four gold medals.
Biles’ unparalleled skills across multiple apparatus, particularly on floor exercise and balance beam, position her as a favorite for multiple medals. Her consideration of a specialist role could allow her to focus on her strongest events, potentially increasing her chances of podium finishes. This being said, Biles has emphasized that medal counts are not her primary focus, prioritizing personal growth and enjoyment in the sport.
Events Simone Will Compete In
Given the amount of time still prior to the games in Paris, the list of events Biles will compete in are not yet confirmed. However, her recent performances and statements have provided great insight. She has hinted at taking on a specialist role, which focuses on her strongest apparatus. Her performance in the 2023 World Champions lends us to believe she will compete in the balance beam and floor exercise, which she won gold medals in.
Furthermore, the vault is also extremely likely given her long history of innovation in this particular event. Biles’ coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi, will play a crucial role in determining her event lineup, balancing her strengths with her physical and mental well-being.
Biles’ Impact on Gymnastics
While her medal count is impressive to say the least, it is nothing compared to how she revolutionized the sport of gymnastics. She has introduced a set of skills of unprecedented difficulty that have even been named after her. She has also been a strong and vocal advocate for athletes’ mental health. Her openness about her struggles has helped encourage other athletes to speak up and prioritize their mental health as well.
In addition to being an advocate for mental health, she also has been vocal for athlete safety and has pushed for accountability in the wake of abuse scandals in USA Gymnastics. Her influence has inspired a new generation of gymnasts to push boundaries while also valuing their overall well-being, fundamentally changing the culture of the sport.
Potential Challenges for 2024 Olympics
While the upcoming Olympic Games are full of promise and hope, they will not be without their challenges. At 27 she will actually be one of the older gymnasts competing, which presents physical challenges in terms of her recovery and injury prevention. Furthermore, the expectations and pressure Biles will face given her status as the most decorated gymnast will be difficult to say the least.
The potential recurrence of the “twisties,” the mental block she experienced in Tokyo, remains a concern. Additionally, adapting to any new rule changes or judging criteria in gymnastics could present technical challenges. Balancing her training regimen with her personal life, including her recent marriage, will also be important for her overall well-being and performance.
