Simone Biles is going to Paris!
The American gymnast, considered by many to be one of the greatest of all time, was named to the women’s gymnastics team on Sunday, June 30 at the conclusion of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Minneapolis, and is headed to the Olympics next month.
This makes her only the fourth US gymnast ever to qualify for three teams, joining Muriel Grossfeld, Linda Metheny and Dominique Dawes.
“It’s going to be great to see her eclipse what I did decades ago,” Dawes, the 1996 gold medalist, told PEOPLE earlier this week. “She definitely deserved it. I am sure that it will not only help the team medal, but also the individual medal.”
“I keep saying this, but I could even see her training for the 2028 Games in LA… She’s so talented,” Dawes said.
Speaking after the trial ended on Sunday, Biles attributed her journey in part to “trusting the process” — and regular Thursday therapy appointments — and simply said, “I knew I was going to come back.”
Jonathan Owens jumps to his feet to cheer on wife Simone Biles during the USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials
For the 27-year-old, the road to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 was emotional, full of triumphs and troubles.
At the 2021 Tokyo Games, she made headlines after withdrawing from the final four events, ultimately taking home only a bronze medal on beam — even though she was a favorite for gold in several events.
She said she struggles with what are known among gymnasts as “twisties,” in which she loses the ability to feel her body in mid-air.
“I really feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders sometimes,” Biles told fans earlier in Tokyo, after making several uncharacteristic mistakes in the qualifying round.
She cited poor mental health – including stress from the competition as well as the onset of “twisties” – as the reason for her withdrawal.
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Simone Biles reacts after completing her floor exercise routine on Day 4 of the 2024 US Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials on June 30.
Jamie Squire/Getty
In 2023, Biles returned to the mat for the first time since competing in Tokyo, competing for gold at the 2023 US Classic — which she won in the all-around.
Later that year, she won first place in the all-around at the 2023 USA National Championships and the 2023 World Championships. In 2024, she also took home the 2024 National Gymnastics Championship title.
Biles continued to be open about how she sees her place in gymnastics. On June 19, Netflix released the first trailer for her new four-part docuseries Simone Biles on the risewhich is scheduled to hit the streamer on July 17 — just over a week before the 2024 Olympics begin.
Simone Biles’ mom ‘prays to stay safe’ during gymnast’s high-flying routines
The series documents the gymnast’s decision to retire from competition in Tokyo, as well as her mental health journey ahead of the 2024 Olympics. The trailer includes behind-the-scenes footage of Biles in Tokyo, her 2023 competition, her former teammate Aly Raisman as well as more intimate moments with NFL safety Jonathan Owens — whom Biles married in April 2023.
Biles also recently booked a spot in Athleta’s “Power of She” campaign, where she declares, “For brave choices on big stages, for pounding hearts and personal bests. For listening to yourself above the crowd and descending into your power. We are here.”
“I’m so proud to be part of the Athleta family and I hope that when women and young girls see this place, they feel like they can harness their own power, build confidence and help celebrate our collective strength, embodying the Power of She,” he said. Biles to PEOPLE for the ad.
The gymnast continued: “The more women and young girls believe in the Power of She essence, the greater the experiences we can share with each other, creating a sense of belonging through active engagement, movement and support to help realize the strength and wisdom that resides within us all. .”
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visit TeamUSA.com and come to people.com to check out live coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics starting July 26 on NBC and Peacock.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education