Is Simone Biles competing at the olympics in 2024?
Is Simone Biles competing at the olympics in 2024?
By Jayson Panganiban February 08, 2024 07:43
Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast, expressed her hopes of competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. However, she mentioned that it's not guaranteed that she will be able to make the trip. Biles stated, "If I don't make it to Paris, it won't absolutely crush me," indicating that her participation is not definitive.
Biles' Tokyo Experience and Return to Training
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles faced challenges with her mental health, leading her to withdraw from multiple finals due to the "twisties," a phenomenon in gymnastics where athletes struggle with a twisting skill they've previously mastered. Despite this, she managed to win the bronze medal on the balance beam, tying the record for the most Olympic medals by an American gymnast. Following the Tokyo Olympics, Biles took a two-year hiatus from the sport to focus on her mental well-being. She mentioned that her time off was initially challenging but sought therapy, which helped her overcome the difficulties.
Biles returned to training in late 2022 and made a successful comeback, winning her eighth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships and setting a new record. Additionally, she clinched her sixth all-around title at the world championships in Belgium, bringing her total career medals to 34.
Biles' Pursuit of Participating in Paris
Despite her extraordinary achievements and successful return to competition, Biles acknowledged that competing in Paris is not guaranteed. She expressed that if she doesn't make it to the 2024 Olympics, it won't crush her. This uncertainty reflects her realistic approach to the upcoming games.
Potential Unprecedented Participation
The possibility of Biles competing at the 2024 Olympics is noteworthy, given her remarkable career and recent accomplishments. Her potential participation at the age of 27 would be unprecedented, and she aims to become the oldest U.S. Olympic female gymnast since 1952. Biles' pursuit of participating in Paris reflects her determination and dedication to her sport.
In addition, the prospect of a "Dream Team" in gymnastics, featuring Biles alongside fellow gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Sunisa Lee, adds to the anticipation surrounding the 2024 Olympics. This trio represents the last three women to claim Olympic all-around gold in women's gymnastics, making the potential of all three competing together an unprecedented and historic possibility.
while Simone Biles aspires to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, she has openly expressed that her participation is not guaranteed. Her journey, from overcoming mental health challenges to making a successful comeback, has captured the attention of gymnastics fans worldwide. Whether she participates or not, Biles' impact on the sport and her resilience serve as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike.