Gymnastics queen Biles wants a demonstration of power after drama
After the drama in Tokyo and a two-year pause filled with great uncertainty, US superstar Simone Biles impressively made her comeback. In Paris, she aims to retake her throne as the oldest US gymnast since 1952.
The floor routine ended, followed by obligatory bows - only then did Gymnast Queen Simone Biles realize what she had achieved. Overwhelmed by emotions, she sat down, soaked up the thunderous applause of the long-standing audience. Her breathtaking performance at the victory in the All-around competition during the US Trials marked her return to the Olympic stage. Now it's about "making amends," Biles announced.
"I never thought I would go back to the gym, turn around, and just feel free," said the 27-year-old under the cheers of the 20,000 spectators in the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Following her career peak at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 with four gold medals and one bronze, Biles seemed to have secured the throne again. However, at the next Summer Games in Tokyo, she experienced a career low point. Due to orientation issues in the air, she dramatically withdrew from the competition. Following mental issues, she took a two-year break, filled with uncertainty.
Biles shatters the rating scale
In October 2023, the 1.42-meter-tall exceptional athlete then made her return to the international stage at the World Championships in Antwerp and won gold in all four disciplines. In Paris, she does not only want to succeed alone but also with the entire US team: "We are older, wiser, more consistent," Biles said.
The team, which won silver in Tokyo, did not perform optimally. She felt that "we all still have more to give" and will lead the team: "I love these girls, and I will take care of them in Paris," Biles, who as the oldest female US gymnast at the Olympics since Marie Hoesly in 1952 in Helsinki, said.
The reason for her second career renaissance in her "advanced" gymnastics age: "Nobody is forcing me. I just want to prove it to myself that I can still do it." But she has already done that: "I think I'm already successful," Biles said.
She could feel even more successful after the Games. After all, she is considered a major favorite for gold following her impressive performance at the US Trials. Her possibilities seem to have no limits. With specially introduced elements, she already broke the rating scale. Three years after Tokyo, Biles is thus determined to renew her status as the Gymnast Queen in Paris.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Simone Biles has set her sights on the Gymnastics - ORDNER competition, aiming to reclaim her title as the oldest US gymnast to win gold since 1952. The USA, with Biles at the helm, aims to improve upon their silver medal finish in the team event at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Biles's comeback has been nothing short of remarkable, having already shattered the rating scale at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, where she won gold in all four disciplines. With her eyes set on Paris, Biles is determined to renew her status as the Gymnast Queen and make amends for the challenges she faced at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
