Dazzling, performing, and with a smile! Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles secured her first medal at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, a team gold, bringing her Olympic title count to five. This victory is a form of redemption from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where Biles had to halt her journey due to depression.
A resounding victory at Bercy
In a packed Bercy Arena, Simone Biles and her teammates Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Jade Carey triumphed with a total of 171.296 points, surpassing Italy (165.494 points) and Brazil (164.497 points). Italy hadn’t medaled in this event since 1928, while Brazil celebrated its first-ever collective Olympic medal in gymnastics. The Americans reclaimed the title they lost at the Tokyo Games, where they were beaten by the Russian gymnasts.
This team gold is particularly significant for Biles. It was during this event at the Tokyo Games that she suffered a mental breakdown, marked by “twisties,” a loss of spatial awareness. “I realized I just wanted to get out of the gym, take care of my mental health. I knew the healing process would be long. But I was also convinced I would get through it,” she told the newspaper L’Equipe.
A comeback in the spotlight
Biles’ presence in Paris attracted numerous celebrities. Nicole Kidman, Spike Lee, Bill Gates, and Serena Williams were all in the stands to witness this historic performance. The head of the Cojo, Tony Estanguet, as well as French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci were also present. Most importantly, her husband Jonathan Owens, an American football player, was there to support her.
Despite a sore left calf, Biles wore a big smile after each performance, even though not all her routines were perfect. This reclaimed title brought her immense joy.
“In Tokyo, I received a lot of negative messages, insults. That I was weak, cowardly, selfish, that I had taken the place of a more deserving gymnast. That it was my fault the American team didn’t win the gold medal…,” she recalled. But in Paris, Biles appeared markedly different, frequently posting messages, photos, and videos on her Instagram account to share her Olympic experience.
Looking head to new horizons
Simone Biles is such a figure that some Americans crossed the Atlantic to see her perform. “We’re here to cheer on the whole American team, but of course, for Simone. These are likely her last Games, we want to be here to support her. She inspires a lot of little girls,” explains Kaylia Shield, from Ohio.
Biles will compete for another medal in the individual all-around, where she holds an Olympic title (2016) and six world titles. She can further enrich her collection with three apparatus finals: vault, beam, and floor. However, her staff has specified that she may choose not to participate in certain events to avoid any undue pressure.
This victory in Paris reaffirms Biles’ status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, enchanting her Olympic story with brilliance.