The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are only a few days away and Simone Biles is back for another chance at glory after withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
As fans recall, Simone, the most successful gymnast of all time, retired from competition in July 2021 after experiencing “the twisties,” a loss of body awareness while performing in the air. At the time, Simone was considered the favorite to win the gold medal in the all-around. In addition, she stated at the time that the event made her want to prioritize her mental health, and people wondered if she would ever return to the sport.
Three years later, the 27-year-old is now one of five gymnasts (including Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles And Hezly Rivera), who will represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In conversation with Hoda Kotb on the Today In a program about her motivation to return to the international games, she said that it actually came from watching gymnastics on television.
“It took a while because I was watching gymnastics on TV. Every time someone twisted, I was like, ‘Oh my God,'” she explained in a clip that aired during the July 17 episode. “And then one day I woke up and I was like, ‘Let’s try it again.'”
Despite Simone’s decision to return to competing in the sport she loves, others had mixed feelings about it.
She added that her coaches and teammates supported her decision, but that she needed some time to get back into the sport before heading to Paris.
“They said, ‘Go back to the gym. Get your skills back,'” she said. “So that we all decide together that we’re really going to try.”
When Hoda asked Simone if she thought she had something to prove, the gymnast had a thoughtful response. “I always say no, but I would say the only thing I have to prove is to myself that I can go out there and do it again.” Hoda then asked, “So? What do we think?” Simone had the most epic answer. “I think we’re going to do it,” she said, laughing with Hoda. “I’m really confident.”
As she told TODAY.comshe is excited about what will happen in Paris with her family (including her husband Jonathan Owens) and friends at her side.
“I think it will be just like Rio. The family will be there to support us in whatever we need, but really we’re just having fun, enjoying the moment and making memories,” she said. “I’m happy that I can do this with my family.”
We can’t wait to see it.
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