Simone Biles, the gymnastics prodigy, secured a triumphant comeback at the US Olympic trials recently, confirming her third appearance at the Olympics. Her outstanding total score of 117.225 over a two-day span ensured her the only guaranteed place on the five-member female team.
The much anticipated return comes three years following the Tokyo Olympics, a competition from which she withdrew from several events in order to prioritize her mental well-being and physical safety. Nevertheless, Biles appears set to approach the forthcoming games in impressive form.
Biles recounted, “Through faith in the process and [my coaches], I was assured of my return.”
Ever since Biles returned to the arena after a two-year respite last summer, anticipation of her participation in the French Olympic Games has been foreseeable. In the past year, the 27-year-old has clinched her sixth world all-around title and eighth and ninth national championships – both record-breaking achievements, solidifying her status as the ultimate figure in her sport.
She is poised to go to Paris with the likelihood of mirroring her 2016 Olympic gold victory, although she acknowledges there are areas that need fine-tuning.
A slight stumble post her landing of the demanding Yurchenko double pike vault, highlighted both the vault’s challenging nature and Biles’ impressive power. A skill attempted by a few male gymnasts and competently performed by even fewer, speaks volumes.
Following an unsuccessful side aerial landing, she hopped off the beam, expressing less dissatisfaction than during a previous underwhelming performance.
Biles concluded with a crowning glory on her staple event – floor exercise. Despite a minor misstep, her unparalleled world-class tumbles caught the attention, including that of pop star Taylor Swift whose song ‘Ready For It’ brings Biles’s routine to life.
Exiting the podium to thunderous applause, she took a moment to soak in her potential final American contest – sat atop the steps in serene satisfaction.
The American gymnastics team, boasting a wealth of experience, are poised to reclaim their gold medal position after trailing behind Russia in the Tokyo Olympics. The team includes the incumbent Olympic champion, Sunisa Lee, the Olympic floor exercise winner of 2020, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles, who secured a silver in the 2020 Olympics. Sixteen-year-old prodigy, Hezly Rivera, also forms part of the team, marking her inaugural Olympics.
However, Simone Biles who will be returning to qualify at the Bercy Arena for the upcoming Olympics in four weeks, is not the same woman who retreated from Tokyo. She has consciously reshaped her life so that it is not solely dictated by her gymnastic pursuits. In the spring of 2023, Biles wedded NFL player, Jonathan Owens and they are currently building a family home in the suburbs of Houston, their intended residence post her return from Paris.
Heading to France, Biles has emerged as a prominent figure within the US team, fully aware that a significant portion of next month’s viewers will be anticipating to see if her Tokyo hurdles will resurface. Despite moments of anxiety, including those experienced at last year’s world championships, she has taken measures to preserve her wellbeing, through weekly therapy sessions, a practice not observed in her 2020 games preparation.
The US will be represented by the most mature women team in history, supported by Biles’ unrivalled consistency as she has victoriously competed consistently since 2013. The department of colleges in the US easing regulations on the use of name, image, and likeness has enabled veterans Carey, Chiles, and Lee to persist in their competition, while also capitalising on their rising popularity. This treasured experience has brought them to this stage despite a nerve-wracking competition that witnessed front-runners Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely, and Kayla DiCello bow out due to leg injuries weeks before the kickoff.
– Guardian