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MINNEAPOLIS — Simone Biles has rightfully earned her place in the spotlight, in every conceivable way.
As anticipated, Biles triumphed at the Olympic gymnastics trials on Sunday evening, securing her spot on the team for the Paris Olympics and continuing her unmatched streak in all-around competitions that started in 2013. True to predictions, her victory margin was significant. Despite a mishap on the balance beam, Biles finished with 117.225 points, more than five points ahead of Suni Lee.
Now, Biles is set to participate in her third Olympics, aiming for a redemptive experience following her challenging time in Tokyo three years prior.
“I knew I wasn’t finished after Tokyo,” Biles commented. “By getting back into training and believing in the process with coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi, I was confident I’d return.”
For Biles, her return isn’t about accumulating more achievements. With 37 medals from the world championships and Olympics, including four golds from the 2016 Rio Games, Biles is the most awarded gymnast ever, regardless of gender.
Nor is it about enhancing her legacy. Already regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, another title won’t alter her place in history.
Her motivation is personal, fueled by overcoming a period when she doubted her own abilities.
The entire globe witnessed Biles’ struggle in Tokyo, where mental health challenges, worsened by the isolation of strict COVID protocols, led to a case of “the twisties”—a dangerous loss of air orientation. Prioritizing her safety, Biles withdrew from the team final, and the U.S. team finished second to Russia, marking their first team title loss since the 2010 world championships.
Biles also sat out several individual finals but returned for the balance beam, earning bronze with a modified routine.
“Facing the aftermath of Tokyo, I couldn’t see myself competing at another Olympics or even returning to the gym, but now, the excitement is real,” she reflected.
After taking over a year to contemplate her future in elite gymnastics, rebuilding self-trust was her greatest hurdle upon returning.
Biles has focused on her mental health as much as her physical training, considering therapy sessions as crucial as her gym workouts.
Now, Biles is arguably in her best form yet, according to Cecile Landi, who remarked on her unparalleled talent and newly balanced mental and physical strength.
Her perspective has shifted significantly. Biles has learned to ignore those who criticized her during her most vulnerable moments, understanding that their approval is inconsequential.
Competing on her own terms, Biles often appears joyous and carefree, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor. Her role as a team leader has flourished, showing support for her peers and exemplifying resilience and dedication.
Biles stated, “I do this because I choose to; every day is a conscious decision to pursue my passion and prove to myself what I’m capable of.”
Her journey to this third Olympic appearance and newfound serenity has been a testament to her hard work and determination, making her incredibly deserving of both.