Despite a challenging experience at the 2021 Olympics, Simone Biles has dominated the gymnastics world in 2023, winning four gold medals and solidifying her position as the greatest of all time.
Simone Biles, the most celebrated gymnast in history, faced an unprecedented challenge at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Out of nowhere, she experienced the "twisties," a debilitating condition that prevented her from performing her signature aerial maneuvers safely. After winning four gold medals in Rio in 2016, Biles competed in just one individual event five years later, earning the bronze in the balance beam.
Her withdrawal from other events sparked controversy, with some critics accusing her of quitting on her team. However, Biles' decision was based on her physical safety, as well as the possibility for poor team performance due to her diminished abilities.
Despite the setback, Biles received support from fellow gymnasts and former Olympians like Shawn Johnson, who emphasized the human element of elite athletes.
"It literally happens to anybody. I think it's just a reminder that every athlete competing there is human, and they're going through a lot," Johnson said. "You only see the fluff pieces on TV of how robotic and machine-like they are, when in actuality, they're just kids. They're just people."
"Simone's particular case, I wish her nothing but the best, and I would just say, human flaws happen. A human flaw, human mistake, doesn't mean that's who you are. It's just, we're all gonna have them."
Biles did not compete in 2022 but returned with a vengeance in 2023, winning four gold medals at the World Championships. This brought her World Championship gold medal count to 23, prompting Johnson to declare her the GOAT.
"Simone is Simone. Simone is the greatest we will ever see in the history of our sport. I don't care what happens, I don't care if she just shows up and says hello and doesn't compete – that doesn't change history for her. I would be so excited to see her compete, but she has literally nothing to prove. She's the best forever.
"I'm excited to see her compete, obviously, but she doesn't have to do anything. Right now, she's just racking in the medals."
Biles is expected to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she will aim to add to her already impressive resume. Johnson predicts that she will be an inspiration to all, regardless of her results.
"I feel like it's such a small world that I know the girls through a couple degrees of separation – I'm an old has-been," Johnson joked. "I'm not in it anymore, but I will be there cheering for them and will be the one saying, ‘No matter what you do, you've done an incredible job.’ They're superhuman, and I'm just cheering them on."
Simone Biles has overcome adversity, defied expectations, and cemented her status as the greatest gymnast of all time. Her resilience and determination serve as a reminder that even the most extraordinary athletes face challenges and that human imperfections do not diminish their achievements.
