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At age 27, Simone Biles has made history as the oldest female gymnast from Team USA to participate in the Olympic Games in nearly three-quarters of a century. In reflecting on her trailblazing journey, Biles also revisited her relationships with fellow gymnasts including Aly Raisman, who at 30 years old was once considered the senior member of their squad.
During the announcement of the U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team on June 30, 2024 in Minneapolis, Biles took a moment to address her age. She humorously apologized to Raisman, who was 22 and dubbed “grandma” by the team during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“I definitely have to apologize to Aly for calling her ‘grandma’ because, whew, I feel like I’m way older now than when we were younger,” Biles confessed during a press conference. Her light-hearted comment reflected a recognition of her own growth and the passage of time since her first Olympic appearance in Rio, eight years earlier.
Biles jokingly added, “It’s definitely past my bedtime,” indicating that it was late in the evening and playing into the theme of feeling older. She quipped, “I’m a lot older and more mature.
What was the rest of the question? See, I’m forgetting.”
She also talked about how her approach to recovery has evolved, noting significant changes in her physical condition compared to eight years ago. After recent events, she found herself humorously surprised at her ability to move without pain, attributing it to a greater focus on her physical and mental recovery strategies.
“Back in Rio, I felt invincible, never needing tape or extra care,” Biles remarked, contrasting her past resilience with her current regimen that includes a more meticulous attention to recovery.
The 2024 Olympics represent a significant comeback opportunity for Biles, who withdrew from the majority of her events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a severe case of the “twisties,” a mental block in gymnastics where competitors lose track of their positioning mid-air. Her participation this year is not just about competing, but about overcoming previous challenges and setting a new standard for longevity in the sport.