Simone Biles leads the U.S. women’s gymnastics team aiming for a comeback at the Paris Olympics
Simone Biles is gearing up to make a comeback at the Paris Olympics, aiming to move beyond the challenging experience in Japan three years ago when she prioritized her mental health over competitive success, a decision that stirred both admiration and criticism.
Suni Lee, the all-around gold medalist who shone while Biles watched from the sidelines, seeks to prove her victory was no fluke, especially to herself.
Jordan Chiles is determined to convert her team silver from the 2020 Games into gold.
Jade Carey, having secured her spot on the five-woman Olympic team after qualifying as an individual last time, is focused on being an integral part of the team.
Sixteen-year-old newcomer Hezly Rivera joins them, all preparing to step into the intense spotlight that only the Olympics can provide. Their motivations are deeply personal but share a common drive for redemption.
Biles, at 27, the oldest American woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics in decades, never anticipated still competing nearly a decade after her breakthrough at the 2016 Rio Games. Despite criticism and doubts, she continues to train relentlessly, driven by her desire to maximize her extraordinary talent.
Her path to Paris was assured after returning to competition last summer following a hiatus. Over the past year, she has secured multiple world championships and national titles, setting records along the way.
As she heads towards the Bercy Arena in France, Biles remains a frontrunner, despite acknowledging areas for improvement before the start of women’s qualifying.
Reflecting on her recent performances, Biles remains focused on refining her routines, including perfecting her Yurchenko double pike vault and beam routines, while showcasing her unparalleled floor exercise skills.
Biles, who received accolades from pop star Taylor Swift for her floor routine set to Swift’s song “Ready For It,” faces the Tokyo Olympics with both excitement and awareness of the pressure on her and her teammates.
While she remains guarded about her future beyond Paris, Biles emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and maintaining balance in life outside of gymnastics. She credits her marriage to Jonathan Owens and ongoing therapy sessions for providing stability and perspective amidst the demands of competition.
As a prominent figure in the U.S. Olympic team, Biles is prepared for scrutiny but remains focused on competing on her terms and prioritizing her well-being.