Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles leads a seasoned Team USA back to the Summer Games in Paris with a shared goal of redemption after Tokyo's challenges.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in American history, is at the helm of a determined Team USA as they prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Along with fellow Olympians Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and newcomer Hezly Rivera, Biles is aiming for a collective redemption after the trials and triumphs of the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Biles, now 27, is the oldest American woman to make an Olympic gymnastics team since the 1950s. Her return marks a testament to her unwavering determination and passion for the sport. Despite her six world all-around titles and eight national championships, Biles remains unfazed by the weight of expectations.
Simone Biles and Team USA Aim for Redemption at 2024 Paris Olympics
"I wake up every day and choose to grind in the gym and come out here and perform for myself," Biles said. "Just to remind myself that I can still do it."
Her teammates share her drive and resilience. Lee, who won gold in the all-around at Tokyo while Biles prioritized her mental health, is eager to prove her worth once again. Chiles seeks to upgrade her team silver from 2020 to gold, while Carey aims to make her official debut as a member of the five-woman Olympic squad.
Simone Biles and Team USA Aim for Redemption at 2024 Paris Olympics
Their motivations extend beyond personal achievements. Biles, who has become an outspoken advocate for mental health, believes the team is better equipped to handle the pressures of competition this time around.
"Tokyo gave us that opportunity to open up that stage for that talk," Biles said. "And so I think now athletes are a little bit more in tune and we just trust what our gut is saying."
The team's unwavering support for one another has been crucial in overcoming challenges. They have witnessed the heartbreaking injuries sustained by fellow competitors, reminding them of the fragility of their dreams.
"Watching good friends leave the arena in tears offered a reminder of how thin the line between making it and not making it can be," Biles said. "I feel like success is just what I make it," she added. "I feel like right now I’ve been successful of competing at Olympic trials and making the Paris Olympic team. So then we’ll see from there on out."
As the team prepares for Paris, Biles remains focused on enjoying the experience while carrying the weight of expectations. Her longevity and success have made her a symbol of American gymnastics, and she is determined to leave an enduring legacy.
"I've been successful of competing at Olympic trials and making the Paris Olympic team," Biles said. "So then we’ll see from there on out."
