Simone Biles Shines in Paris 2024: Leading Team USA to Gold

Simone Biles is doing more than just talking the talk. She has once again proven her mettle by leading Team USA to gold in the women’s team event at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This victory marks a significant moment in Biles’ illustrious career and stands as a testament to her resilience and dedication to mental health.

Three years ago, the U.S. finished a stunning second at the Tokyo Olympics, despite being heavy favorites. This outcome followed Biles’ withdrawal from the final due to her struggles with the “twisties” – a condition where a gymnast’s body and mind fall out of sync. Her decision to prioritize her mental health sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental well-being in elite sports.

Since that pivotal moment, Biles has remained true to her commitment to mental health. On the morning of July 30, 2024, just hours before the team event, Biles attended a therapy session. Reflecting on her session, she shared, “At the beginning of the day, I started off with therapy this morning. That was super exciting. I told my therapist I was feeling calm and ready.”

Her calmness and readiness were evident as she took to the floor of the packed Bercy Arena, adorned with fans in red, white, and blue. Biles’ opening rotation was on the vault, a moment reminiscent of her Tokyo experience. However, this time, there were no flashbacks or hesitations. Biles executed a flawless Cheng vault, setting the tone for the competition.

“After I finished vault, I was relieved,” Biles admitted. “I was like, ‘Phew!’ because at least no flashbacks or anything. I did feel a lot of relief. As soon as I landed vault, I was like, ‘Definitely we’re going to do this.’”

From that point on, it was smooth sailing for Biles and Team USA. The team, which included Tokyo teammates Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Jade Carey, along with newcomer Hezly Rivera, delivered a stellar performance. Their combined efforts secured Team USA’s fourth-ever gold medal in the women’s team event.

This victory also marked a personal milestone for Biles, as she earned her eighth Olympic medal, surpassing Shannon Miller to become the all-time American leader in the sport. Reflecting on her journey and the significance of this medal, Biles noted that her second Olympic team gold felt distinctly different from her first.

“I think in 2016, we were destined to win gold, everybody kind of already said we were going to win gold,” Biles reflected. “Now that I’m much older and we have so much more experience, we’re out here really having fun and enjoying what we’re doing. It just felt a little bit different [tonight]. It was super exciting, we had fun, we enjoyed each other’s time out there, and we just did our gymnastics.”

Biles’ journey from Tokyo to Paris has been one of growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to mental health. Her performance at Paris 2024 not only solidifies her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time but also serves as an inspiration for athletes worldwide to prioritize their mental well-being.

As Biles continues to make history, her story underscores the importance of balancing mental health with athletic excellence. Her triumph in Paris is a reminder that true champions are those who overcome both physical and mental challenges to achieve greatness.

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