Simone Biles Says She Was ‘a Lot Happier’ at Paris 2024 Than Previous Olympics: ‘It’s Pure Joy’

The 2024 Paris Olympics will always have a special place in Simone Biles’ heart!

In an interview with NBC on Monday, August 5, the Olympic champion, 27, shared how she was in a more positive place competing in the French capital than at previous Games.

“This time was really special,” said Biles, per Today. “I am much happier and decided to do this. So at the end of the day, what happens, happens. But mentally and physically I’m in a good position, so you can’t take that away from me. So whenever I’m out there, it’s pure joy. I can’t believe I’m out there competing again.”

“Getting injured, I think, just having fun, doing what you love…” Biles continued. “It’s worth it because… You work your whole life for moments like this to represent your country on the Olympic stage, and that’s exactly what we did this weekend. That’s why we’re so proud.”

Simone Biles with her four Olympic medals in Paris.

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Earlier in the day, Biles closed out her competition in style by winning the silver medal in the women’s floor final.

Second place marked Biles’ fourth medal at the Games and 11th Olympic medal overall. The medal joined Biles’ gold in the women’s all-around final, gold in the women’s vault final and gold in the women’s team final with Team USA.

The athlete, who is the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, also fell during Monday’s beam final to place 5th with a score of 13.100.

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Simone Biles competing on the beat in the women’s all-around final in Paris.

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Speaking at a press conference after the floor final, Biles told reporters she was extremely proud of her performance, especially considering the tough road she had to get back into competitive shape.

“I’ve achieved so much more than my wildest dreams, not just like these Olympics, but in this sport,” she said. “I can’t be mad about my performances. A few years ago I didn’t think I’d be back here for the Olympics.”

Biles was forced to withdraw from several events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after suffering a bout of “twisties”, making it difficult for her to perform her highly technical flips safely.

“To compete and then walk away with four medals, I’m not mad about that,” she added of her return. “I’m pretty proud of myself and it’s always so exciting to compete.”

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Simone Biles poses with her gold medal from the women’s all-around final and her goat necklace.

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In Tokyo, Biles won bronze in the beam final and silver in the women’s team final with Team USA. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, the athlete took home four gold medals and a bronze in the beam final.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of her performance in Paris, Biles said she “struggled with my body and my mind to do these tricks” during the Tokyo Games and said her gymnastics was “already drunk” before she took to the competition.

To find out more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com and check out the live coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up for Going for Gold, our Olympic newsletter, to deliver the biggest stories from the Games straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics starting July 26 on NBC and Peacock.

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Source: HIS Education