In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Simone Biles triumphed at the 2024 Xfinity Championship, cementing her status as a gymnastics legend. On Day 1 of the Xfinity Games, the reigning world champion dominated with a total score of 60.450, securing a significant lead over the second-place gymnast. Her top-notch Olympic preparation is evident in the precise execution of her routines.
Biles’ performance demonstrated unrivaled talent and highlighted why investing in her skills is incredibly rewarding. It’s no wonder then that fans from around the world come to get a glimpse of her. A dedicated gymnastics couple traveled 10,000 miles to witness the brilliance of the championship and support their icon, Simone Biles, amidst an ecstatic crowd.
Recently, Scott Bregman shared a picture of a couple posing during the US National Championships on his X handle. The two women wore matching shirts that read, “We Flew 10500 Miles for Biles”. Bregman introduced them in his caption, “Courtney Wright and Zara Stanes traveled more than 10,000 miles and for nearly two days to watch @Simone_Biles at the U.S. Championships. They made it, slept three hours, and now they’re front and center as she goes for title No. 9.” Starting their journey from Perth on Wednesday afternoon, the couple embarked on a more than 10,000-mile trip.
They first flew to Singapore, which took about five-and-a-half hours, before continuing to Los Angeles, adding another 15 hours of travel time. Unfortunately, their plans were disrupted by weather delays the following morning, extending what was supposed to be a two-and-a-half-hour trip to Ft. Worth into “an eight hour ordeal”. However, this hiccup did little to dampen their spirits. Wright later told Olympics.com that they saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and decided to grab it.
Despite the long journey and minimal sleep, Courtney and Zara were thrilled to be at the championships, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness Simone Biles compete for her ninth title. Wright stated, “The journey really began when Simone came back last year, and I went, ‘This is it. We’ve got I feel like one more opportunity to see her compete in person’”. She further added, “I messaged Zara because she’s always willing to go along with my crazy ideas, and I said, ‘Let’s go to nationals next year.’”
Biles finished the first day of competition with an astounding 3-point lead from first runner-up Skye Bakely. She even bested her own Core Hydration Classics score of 59.500 with a new 60.450 points. This is the highest score put up by any female athlete in the Olympic Cycle. It also broke the 60.00 score mark that was set since the 2021 US Olympic trials. Fulfilling Wright and Stanes’ wishes, she performed a Yurchenko double pike on the vault that gained her the highest score of the night at 15.800.
Simone Biles kept getting better as she secured 14.650 on uneven bars, 14.800 on balance beams, and finally 15.200 on the floor. Biles is just 4 routines away from making history as she gears up for her 9th US Crown title. Her routines were a breathtaking affair, and surely, her fans are more than happy to have witnessed such a long ordeal and witnessed it.
The timeless affection for Simone Biles over the years
Biles’ fans have always shown their admiration for her through sweet gestures. During an NFL Packers game last year, one fan dressed in a frozen cheese costume made a gift for Simone. It was a goat hat wearing a purple shirt with Olympics rings on the arm. The fan said, “You’re the greatest of all time (GOAT). I had to make you something, okay? You are the GOAT. This is for you.” It was a very wholesome interaction as Biles put the hat on her head. Even off-court, the adoration is evident. One creative director from LA Thomas R Wood shared a post of his 5-year-old daughter.
The child had written SMB on an envelope, the first time she had written anything else besides her name. The little girl also called Biles “the best.” Simone was visibly touched by this as she reposted the tweet with the caption, “this is the cutest omg my heart!!!” The little girl really touched Biles’ heartstrings. Biles, in the past, has also lent her support to the queer community. During one of her Asks on Instagram, one fan came out to her saying, “I still haven’t told my dad I’m gay even though everyone else in my family knows.” Biles replied to him with kindness, saying, “Tell him, be free, be yourself. I support you.”
She further added, “For anyone else struggling with telling family or friends, just know I will always welcome you with open arms on my page and platforms.” The man’s trust in Biles just speaks volumes of her exemplary character. Simone Biles also went to surprise an 11-year-old gymnast named Taylor. Taylor described Simone Biles as her inspiration, and just as she was doing a cartwheel, she was beyond overjoyed to see Biles right there holding a sign that read “Perfect 10”. The two embraced sweetly, and Taylor gushed about her role model. Biles fans have always been her biggest source of support and these interactions just prove their love for her. Her performances inspire fans and aspiring gymnasts globally, showcasing the transformative impact athletes like her have on the gymnastics world.
