With the Olympics just three days away, there is a new twist to the tale to put Simone Biles‘s mind “at ease.” The last say on whether she would want to compete in all four events in the team final will be on the 4x Olympic gold medalist. But there’s more; hear it from The Washington Post’s Emily Giambalvo who interviewed Chellsie Memmel, the technical lead for the U.S. women, on Tuesday.

After her scintillating display in the US Olympic trials and seventh straight team title at the gymnastics world championships last year, Biles, who was deemed the frontrunner to win the all-around medal this year, buck now stops with Simone Biles to take a decision. At this point in time, according to The Washington Post, Biles is kept wrapped up in cotton wool as she likely won’t speak to the media until the events are over.

Coach Cecile Landi had a special conversation with Memmel about the best way to delegate the expectations set on Biles to perform all four events apart from the individual all-around and qualifying. Memmel responded, “Absolutely. If that’s what she needs to continue to be at her best for her team and for herself, then that’s what we’re going to do. Because there are still four other members on our team.”

With Russia still banned from participating in the Olympics, and considering how Biles’s team registered a team final win last year quite convincingly (a 2-point upper edge from their Brazilian runner-up), all hopes are not lost. If memory serves us right, it wasn’t all bells and whistles then either. Joscelyn Roberson had to call it quits prematurely due to a leg injury during warm-up. This meant that Suni Lee had to substitute for her in the vault as well as the floor. Biles opted out of performing Yurchenko double pike, leading to a lower score than what was expected. But again, here’s the catch.

Memmel revealed that the option for Simone Biles to opt out from any of the all-around final events was valid even last year. Only Simone didn’t back off. Regardless, it is unquestionably a rare yet overbearing pressure Biles has endured. Memmel, in her own words, said, “That’s where it’s like that double-edged sword for Simone, where she wants to be able to help but also wants to be able to be at her best.”

Biles, who had to withdraw from several events at Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to “twisties”, has had a miraculous comeback with the support of her family, teammates, her coach Cecili Landi, and her fans’ love. Heading into the Olympics as the oldest Team USA captain at 27, Biles had said that this was her “redemption tour.” However, while praising Simone for her strong presence on the mat after her hiatus, Memmel made it clear that the team is not solely relying on Simone at the big games.

“Simone has been doing great. She’s been solid in training since Katy, Texas and seems to be in a really great place, she’s a great leader for this team, and together they are really looking forward to the competition. It is kind of their redemption tour,” Memmel was quoted by Eurosport. “I want them to get through this and be happy, healthy, and proud of what they accomplish no matter what the outcome is. I want them to be proud and to look back and say I’m so glad I had this experience.”

Biles underwent a tough two years since quitting the Tokyo Olympics due to her mental health struggles. However, she is back now stronger than ever, and apart from her family there was one guiding force in her life through these tough times – that’s Cecile Landi.

Simone Biles’ guiding light in the dark

Biles went back to the basics and only did conditioning for the initial phase. Slowly, she worked her way up, working closely with Cecile and Laurent Landi. “An athlete like Simone would never have reached her full potential in France,” Cecile had said when asked about Biles’ place in the Paris Olympics, the Associated Press reported. “Because she would have been put aside because she didn’t fit that box.”

However, Cecile – who has coached Biles since 2017 along with her husband Laurant – has put in their all to make sure Biles is the greatest gymnast and continues to be so. “It’s not the athlete that needs to adjust to the coaches,” Laurent Landi said. “The coaches need to adjust to the athletes and the athlete’s abilities.”

Simone Biles is on a redemption journey back to the Olympic stage, and she’s fiercely protecting her safe space at all costs! A TikTok video by Eurosport shared by an X account began doing the rounds of the gymternet. In the snippet, Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Cécile Landi soak up the vibes at the Paris Olympics athlete village. This was a refreshing change from the ghost town atmosphere of the Tokyo Olympics, due to the strict COVID-19 restrictions.

The ladies were all smiles, dressed in matching Team USA Nike hoodies, and trailed by a camera crew. While they were strolling through the village, the group bumped into Janelle McDonald, the head coach of the UCLA gymnastics team. Being a UCLA star, Jordan Chiles couldn’t contain her excitement and squealed with joy. The women were delighted to chat with Janelle, and Simone even offered to take a picture with Jordan’s former coach. So, Cécile, Jordan, and Janelle started posing. In the midst of all this, another person spotted Simone Biles.

Recognizing the gymnastics superstar, the man politely approached her to ask for a photograph. Simone, with her trademark grace and kindness, gently turned him down, saying, “No photographs, I’m so sorry.” This moment highlighted how Simone is setting boundaries to maintain her peace and privacy ahead of the big competition. Did you know this isn’t the first time the 7X Olympic medalist has talked about putting her guard up for the Paris Olympics?

Simone Biles ‘no pressure’ approach at the Paris Olympics

Ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Biles was feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders, with everyone not only calling her the Greatest of All Time but also pinning all their hopes for gold and USA glory on her shoulders. The constant scrutiny from the press and social media was intense, and when she withdrew from events, the backlash was brutal. Biles faced a wave of criticism, with people calling her a “quitter” and doubting her dedication. She felt overwhelmed by the negativity and admitted to fearing the worst from social media.

After winning the Olympic trials last month, Simone Biles even shared, “They’ll still say like, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re going to quit again? Or are you going to quit again?’ And like, and ‘If I did, what are you going to do about it? Tweet me some more?’” As Biles headlines the French capital she is blocking out the noise and focusing on her performance at the Paris Olympics. She’s got a solid plan to keep distractions at bay, and revealed to Hoda Kotb on TODAY that she’s ditching X (formerly Twitter) for the duration of the games while sticking with Instagram and TikTok.

Insta is good. It’s a good way to connect. It’s a way to share what we’re going through. And TikTok. I’ve tried to make a little more TikToks, I’m not the greatest at that. I’m learning,” she said. The press coverage around her has also dialed down in Paris, and even US gymnastics technical lead Chellsie Memmel is making sure the pressure on Biles is manageable. Memmel assured that the team isn’t putting all their hopes on Biles alone and that she has the option to skip some events if needed.

Simone’s coach, Cecile Landi, approached the coaching staff and asked, “If she doesn’t feel like it’s going to be in her best interest to do all four events that day, is that an option for her?” “We said: absolutely,” Memmel noted, discussing the flexibility in expectations. “If that’s what she needs to continue to be at her best for her team and for herself, then that’s what we’re going to do because there are still four other members on our team.” Reflecting on this shift in pressure and Simone Biles’ decision to limit social media negativity, what do you think about the gymnastics queen’s approach to the Paris Olympics? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Simone Biles is surely ‘Rising’. The champion athlete had her docuseries, ‘Simone Biles: Rising’ released recently on Netflix. And in just one day, the ratings have skyrocketed. According to the list by fixpatrol, within 24 hours of release, the docuseries is trending as the number 1 show in the Netflix Top 10 TV shows category. Such a development speaks volumes about Biles’ hype around the US. The documentary has dethroned popular TV shows like Homicide and Vikings: Valhalla. Both the shows reigned at the top for 17 and 47 days, respectively.

The docuseries predominantly focuses on Simone Biles’ traumatic experience at the Tokyo Olympics. This can be attributed as one of the biggest factors for the impressive success of the series. Almost the entire US sports fanatics wanted to have a detailed peek into what went through the champion’s mind. And providing the exact information just at the time of the Paris Olympics worked like magic for Katie Walsh & co.

While Biles did speak about her complications on several occasions, the documentary shows an unfiltered and much more closeup perspective as to what actually went through Biles’ mind. The US Gymnastics queen stated that it was well before the Olympics that she could sense something was wrong. And when she could not land her initial trial vault, the alarm bells in her mind went off. After she could not land a two-and-a-half, the shocked expression of Suni Lee mirrored the emotion every gymnastics fan went through. But being the champion she is, Simone Biles knew just what she needed to do.

Simone Biles not a ‘quitter’: Proved

Simone Biles was given the unwanted title of being the ‘Quitter of the Year’. Following the tragedy in Tokyo, Biles mentioned that she felt like quitting for ‘500,000’ times. Her coach, Laurent Landi, too, seemed doubtful as he stated that the ‘twisties’ were something that was not connected to gymnastics. But Biles slowly realized that she did not want to lament over the fact at 40 that she never tried when she had the time. Thus, Simone Biles was back in the gym.

In the documentary, Biles explained how she was scared to leap in the air. She also felt uncomfortable inside the gym, as Biles knew that she was the center of attraction after her Tokyo debacle. However, her fellow gymnasts helped her a lot during that phase. Constantly motivating Biles, they played a huge role in instilling self-belief into the Olympic gold medalist. Biles slowly started to come to her groove and cut to December 2023, when she was at the Worlds. With the whole world watching, Simone Biles did what nobody expected her to do. Biles landed the Biles II- a Yurchenko double pike, to pinpoint precision. Claiming the gold medal, Simone Biles announced her return in style. And while she steps into Paris as the favorite, Simone Biles has surely compelled the world to write her down in history. Forever.

Who said competitors can’t be friends? Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles are the perfect example of a persisting friendship despite their cutthroat professional rivalry. The two stellar gymnasts compete for Team USA and are among the five who qualified for the Paris Olympics. The duo have always stood by in solidarity with each other through thick and thin. In various stages of life, Simone Biles’ best friend, Jordan, was seen praising her masthead Biles for her undulating support through professional stand ins or in Biles’ mental health journey. Chiles was even seen cheering for Biles on the grounds of the Olympic trails as the gymnastic queen gears up for her Olympic dream after refraining from the Tokyo season because of her mental health.

Simone Biles is in red hot form this time around, vanquishing all her demons. However, after a mental health break, her performance thrilled the audiences when Biles returned to the mat with a power-packed comeback at the 2023 World Athletics Championship. Gymnastic fans and esteemed platforms like ESPY celebrated and honored her with the ‘best comeback performance of the year.’ and rightly so. To add a cherry on top of this cake, Simone Biles’ best friend’s mother couldn’t help but toast to Biles’ victory.

GOAT Simone Biles’ is a phoenix from the ashes

After two years of mental breaks and mindfulness, the legendary Simone Biles returned with a bang! Her qualification to the Paris Olympics with the highest score of 117.225 in the US Olympic trials has added to her repertoire, based on which ESPY has honored her with ‘Best Comeback of the Year.’ Nellie Biles, the mother of Simone Biles, shared a tweet on X congratulating Biles on the prestigious honor. Mother Biles captioned the post as “ESPY come back Athlete of the year award WAY to go Simone.” Not just Nellie, but someone else clamored for the gymnastic sensation. It was Gina Chiles! Simone Biles’ best friend and teammate Jordan Chiles’ mother. Gina Chiles commented on Nellie’s post, applauding Simone’s comeback, as she penned down in the comment section, “Amazing and deserved!!”

Simone Biles had no choice but to withdraw her name from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 due to the debilitating twisties. The Olympian claimed to be taking some time off for her mental health, but she also assured that her issues wouldn’t cost her team a medal in prestigious games like the Olympics. Biles’ actions immediately split the public forum into two factions, with some supporting her and others deriding her for being a “quitter.” She made headlines after recovering from her ‘twisties’ trauma and her head held high, she is sure to strike gold. Jordan Chiles, though, doffs her hat .

Mental health has come across as a major issue for sports personalities from time to time. And they have been outspoken about it. One such incident was shared with audiences when Jordan Chiles revealed in an interview with People that she was thinking of ending her gymnastics career. The episode dates back to 2018, when Jordan couldn’t make it to Team USA. Disappointed by the whole event, she was on the verge of questioning her potential. Chiles quotes, “I don’t think this sport really wants me.” Jordan adds that it was the decision to move to Texas and Simone Biles who changed her outlook on the game. Jordan mentions, “I discovered that gymnastics doesn’t always have to be about strictness. I actually realized this when I saw Simone compete. She looks like she’s having fun out there, laughing and giggling.”

Jordan revealed that it was the supportive environment of Texas, the coaching guidance, and the camaraderie of Simone that saved her career as she developed a newfound love for gymnastics. Chiles’ and Biles’ bond has been an example of support and friendship that lasts. On events, Chiles never hesitated to celebrate Simone Biles and her comeback, as she declared, “ know this comeback for her is about to be the biggest comeback that’s ever been known, and I’m really excited to see where this year takes her. Paris … this is her time. Paris is definitely going to be something that everybody is just going to be in awe because this girl has dedicated a lot to this.” This quote, ‘When you do good, you get good,‘ likely describes Simone Biles’ actions, and it’s no wonder she’s so famous!

Rebeca Andrade’s recent heartfelt declaration, “I’m so proud to know that I can continue her legacy,” was an echo of the reverberation that once rippled through the Sportpaleis arena in Antwerp, Belgium. Reminiscing about the sentiment of a sport in transition, Andrade’s 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships bore witness not only to Simone Biles’ spectacular return but also to a symbolic gesture that ignited discussions of a metaphorical changing of the guard.

The iconic moment that ignited this narrative came during the 2023 World Championships, the year when Biles solidified her resurgent dominance in the sport. In a spontaneous display of admiration and respect, Biles placed an imaginary crown on Andrade’s head. This gesture, captured in countless photographs, transcended the mere act of sportsmanship. It was a poignant acknowledgment of Andrade’s ascent within the gymnastics hierarchy and a testament to Biles’ magnanimous spirit. Andrade herself, in a candid moment of reflection, revealed the deeper meaning behind this act of sportsmanship.

In a recent interview with Brazilian Marie Claire, Andrade elaborated on the significance of the gesture, saying, “I saw it as something genuine, spontaneous, to recognize the position she has in gymnastics in the world… It was a huge honor to have her competing again, happily. It was incredible energy, one of the best competitions of my entire career.” Yet, to fully grasp the weight of this moment, one must revisit the extraordinary journey that led Simone Biles back to the pinnacle of her sport.

Simone’s 2023 season was nothing short of a phoenix rising from the ashes. It began with a triumphant return at the Core Hydration Classic in August, where she claimed first place in the all-around, floor routine, and balance beam, and third on the uneven bars. Her scores—14.0 on uneven bars, 14.8 on balance beam, 14.9 in floor exercise, and a baffling 15.4 in vault—stunned the audience in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, breaking a 90-year-old record for most U.S. all-around crowns previously held by Alfred Jochim.

The crowd of nearly 12,000 rose in a standing ovation as she walked off the floor, a testament to the enduring respect and admiration she commands—a respect that echoed the anticipation for Simone Biles’ return to the global stage.

This triumph was a precursor to her dominant performance at that year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where she collected four golds (team, all-around, balance beam, floor exercise) and a silver (vault). These victories, achieved with a tally of 58.399 across all apparatus, elevated her career world and Olympic medal tally to an unprecedented 34—surpassing Belarusian Vitaly Scherbo’s record of 33 world and Olympic golds. But these victories were merely a prelude to a statement that would reverberate far beyond the scoreboard.

Simon Biles’ words of resilience were a remnant of her meteoric rise from the ashes

I had to prove to myself that I could still get out here, twist, I could prove all the haters wrong, that I’m not a quitter,” Biles stated emphatically, encapsulating the drive that fueled her comeback. Her words resonated not only with the gymnastics community but with anyone who has faced adversity and fought to overcome it. The world might have witnessed her physical prowess, but it was her words that revealed the unyielding spirit that truly set her apart.

In the wake of her awe-inspiring performance, the Associated Press crowned Simone Biles the 2023 Female Athlete of the Year, a fitting tribute to a woman who redefined the boundaries of her sport. Yet, the narrative was not solely about Biles’ individual achievements. Andrade’s silver medals in the all-around and floor exercise, along with her bronze on the balance beam, signaled the emergence of a worthy contender.

“We had Rebeca on every single podium with me, so I feel like we give each other the best push that we can to bring out the best athletes,” Biles acknowledged, emphasizing the mutual respect and competitive spirit that characterized their relationship.

As the gymnastics world looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the narrative is poised to evolve further. Will Rebeca Andrade, the reigning Olympic vault champion, truly inherit Simone Biles’ mantle? Can the two athletes continue to elevate each other’s performances, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport? These are the questions that will fuel the anticipation for the next chapter in this thrilling saga.

Gymnastics definitely runs in the Biles genes! Simone Biles‘ niece, Ronni, aka “Baby Biles,” is the latest addition to the sport. “Usually you start in ‘mommy and me’ classes or as soon as you can walk,” once shared Simone Biles. While her TT began gymnastics at the age of 6—which is considered a bit late in the gymnastics world—Ronni’s family has made sure to keep things safe and fun for her as she gets an early start. At just over a year and a half old, she’s already had a head start on her elite career since joining the family-owned gym WCC in Texas.

Watching her aunt Simone Biles book her ticket to a third Olympics has only deepened her love for gymnastics. In an Instagram post, Sammi Biles, Simone’s sister-in-law, shared adorable pictures of the tiny tot on the spring floor at the World Champions Centre in Texas, owned by her grandparents and Simone’s parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles.

Dressed in a GK Elite leotard, Ronni was performing a floor routine. Sammi, expressing her love for the sport at such a young age, marveled, “the way she is so intrigued w/ this sport at such a young age is so special for many reasons.” Sammi continued, “WCC’s littlest elite /honorary member kidding but ahhh so adorable.” Sammi isn’t the only one calling Ronni an elite gymnast already.

Even Simone Biles, back in May, shared the news. During a visit to the WCC, where Simone and other Team USA members train, the 7-time Olympic medalist proudly announced on Instagram, “WCC’s newest elite team member, my niece Ronni.” It’s clear that Ronni, like her TT Simone Biles, is obsessed with the sport. But did you know she chooses it over playtime and regular baby activities?

Fueling the family’s next Simone Biles? Baby Biles is on her way!

Even before turning one, Baby Biles showed her passion for gymnastics early on. Once she was even seen trying to pull herself up on the crib’s rings, with her mom capturing the moment and writing, “Watching TT and wanting to be like her.” Her family has been supportive from the start, taking her to the US Gymnastics Championships in 2023 when she was just nine months old. For her first birthday, she received a biography of her aunt Simone Biles, and she even has matching leotards like TT’s.

During the 2024 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships and the US Olympic trials, Ronni was right there, soaking it all in. On the Fourth of July, Sammi Biles, Simone Biles’ sister-in-law, shared a sweet video of Baby Biles enjoying the holiday, glued to the TV re-watching the US Olympic gymnastics trials. Ronni eagerly mimicked her aunt Simone’s moves with raised hands and a little jump.

Sammi playfully captioned the moment, “She loves a TT ‘stick it’ ” Sammi also shared, “Anyone else’s 1.5-year-old skipping cartoons for @USAGym?! Or just ours not complaining one bit.” As we reflect on how the Biles family is fueling Ronni Biles’ gymnastics dreams, it’s wholesome to see this love gently guiding her into the sport.

With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, GK Elite has revealed the US gymnastics team’s leotards. In a special photoshoot with Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and the rest of the gymnasts, GK Elite revealed the unique leotards. However, the showcase also set the stage for what fans could expect to see when the LA Olympics arrives.

“For the very first time, USA Gymnastics Olympic kits are being introduced to the public prior to the Games!” GK Elite’s wrote on Instagram. The brand showcased multiple leotards with a combined total of 47,000 crystals and pearls. Simone Biles posed in the one with the most crystals. The Luminous Legacy competition leotard has over 10,000 crystals strewn into it. Yet despite the record-breaking number of crystals and pearls, Sunisa Lee gave the brand’s marketing officer Matt Cowan an the idea to push even further for LA 2028.

Matt Cowan revealed that the crystals and pearls make the suits a little heavier. However, gymnastics icon Sunisa Lee is getting used to the suits by warming up in them during warm-up. Lee even told him that she would like to be “covered in crystals.” While that won’t be possible this time, they may aim for it for the LA Olympics. “One day… A gymnast would say, ‘I’m here to compete in my armor of crystal,’ and we’re going to make it happen for them.” Cowan told The New York Times.

The tradition of upping the crystals in gymnastics leotards has turned into a competition at GK Elite. In 2016, the company announced it had reached the maximum crystal capacity of 5000, in a single suit. They proved themselves wrong in 2021 with 6,700. However, this year, the company truly outdid itself by breaking the 10,000 barrier and including pearls.

For the first time a GK Elite uniform, The Freedom’s Grace, incorporates 3,494 crystals and 970 pearls. The entire USA gymnastics team, including the men, posed in the various uniforms that they’ll wear in France. However, the decision to make the outfits more dazzling than ever was a well-thought-out one.

What inspired the glamorous gymnastics uniforms?

There was a reason why the company pulled off so many firsts with this year’s Olympics leotards. “We wanted to lean into that hard for Paris, the fashion capital of the world,” Jeanne Diaz, the director of design at GK Elite, told The New York Times. The design team incorporated “high fashion elements… corsetry, Art Nouveau architecture,” and “old Hollywood glamour of the 1920s.”

Incorporating so many stylized elements while ensuring the leotards allowed the gymnasts to perform was a challenge. However, the company brainstormed to make it a reality. Besides taking place in the fashion capital of the world, the Paris Olympics promises to be the most fashionable Games yet. French luxury brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Berluti, have dipped their toes into designing gymnastics uniforms. So the veteran manufacturer wanted to adorn the US gymnastics team with suits that exude elegance while retaining function.

From the first leotard to have over 10,000 crystals, to using a combination of pearls and crystals, GK Elite has once again set the bar. However, they themselves plan to beat their record when LA 2028 rolls around.

Sometimes, cross sporting adventures turn out to be endearing moments worth capturing. And Simone Biles stood by in solidarity with Sha’Carri Richardson last year, for all the right reasons. In 2023, Simone Biles was more enthralled by Sha’Carri Richardson’s accomplishment than her own. Biles recently highlighted the American athlete in her favorite sports moment of the year.

Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who has overcome several obstacles, won the 100-meter race at the World Athletics Championships. However, this triumph, displaying ‘resilience’, drew Biles’ notice. In an open discussion, Biles praised Richardson for her quickness.

In a video that World Athletics released, Biles stated, “My top moment was Sha’Carri. She’s just so resilient. She keeps pushing forward. She never gave up. She showed up and she showed out.” The fact that Biles, a well-known athlete herself, is endorsing Richardson highlights the importance of her accomplishment. Despite obstacles, such as a well-publicized suspension in 2021, Richardson’s tenacity was evident in her comeback year aka 2023. Her success in the World Athletics Championships showcased her dedication alongside her on-track prowess to make a resurgence with a bang.

Moreover, these two legendary athletes, Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson, are getting ready for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. In an environment where ‘resilience’ characterizes real winners, Biles’ acknowledgment of Richardson highlights the significance of overcoming hardship. Many are motivated to prepare for the Olympics by these athletes’ inspiring tales of achievement and recovery.

Key players in Paris: Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson

Notable is Simone Biles’ road to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Following her “twisties” during the Olympics in Tokyo 2020, she took time off to tend to her mental health. Determined and firm, Biles has returned to competitive gymnastics with a strong mindset.

In addition to winning 30x gold at world championships, Biles brought gymnastics five new moves. However, to win the women’s individual all-around title again in Paris 2024 is one of Biles’s goals. To solidify her status as one of the best gymnasts of all time, Biles hopes to add to her 4x Olympic gold medals. However, Richardson’s journey and Biles’ resolve in the face of difficulties are similar, connecting their experiences.

Moreover, in the 100m sprint, Sha’Carri Richardson, who is competing in her Olympics debut, is expected to challenge the best. She will stand the test of time by giving her naysayers a run for their money and this is something we can affirmatively bank on. Richardson is hoping for a gold medal against athletes such as Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica. Her performance will stand out as the highlight of the Olympic track and field competition in Paris.

Additionally, athletes who compete in the Olympics become international icons and national heroes. The Olympic ideals of pushing boundaries and aiming for perfection are embodied by Biles and Richardson. Their appearance raises the bar high for Paris and everyone is buzzing with the thrill. Thus, Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles might bring much needed glory at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

As the US Gymnastics Trials set off in 3 days, the spotlight once again turned towards the gymnastics G.O.A.T, Simone Biles. But while she limbers up to put on an unforgettable show in the US, Brazilian prodigy Rebeca Andrade has ‘been there, done that.’ Clinching the 2024 Brazil Trophy on 23rd June, Andrade evinced her form and aced her final showdown before Paris. Thus, should Biles qualify in the forthcoming Trials, the two gymnasts would go head-to-head for Olympic glory next month.

While the ‘rivalry’ dynamic has been making waves for a long time, an incident has resurfaced from when the two shared a special moment. Like a pail of water on a fire, it ensured the ostensibly fuming rivalry died down for a bit.

In 2023, Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade faced each other at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Belgium. Both peaking with ambition, posed stiff competition to one another on the mats. But on the ultimate day, after the floor exercises, one iconic gesture changed everything.

The three winners, Biles, Andrade, and Flavia Saraiva, were positioned next to each other before the podium ceremony commenced. This was when Biles, who won gold in the floor category, replicated the action of taking off a crown from her head and placing it on Andrade’s. Chuckling in awe, Andrade seemed visibly overjoyed at this as she laughed out loud and bowed ahead, as though reciprocating the respect. And now, with the words, “Women Supporting Women❤️,” a Tik Tok Video has reminisced this adorable memory.

No matter the ever-changing dynamics on the mat, Simone Biles exhibited great sportsmanship that day. However, it doesn’t seem like a one-way street. In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), Andrade spoke about Biles.

She expressed, “It’s about doing my best. And I hope she (Biles) does too, that she does her best, because it’s an honour to be able to compete alongside her.” As evident, Andrade harbors equivalent respect for Biles in her heart.

There seems to be an underlying relatability between Biles and Andrade. The two passionate gymnasts possess top-notch skills and have been through rollercoaster journeys to be at this summit today. While 3 critical ACL injuries plagued Andrade’s career time and again, Biles has had her valiant fight against the ‘twisties’ and her mental health struggles. However, the gymnastics mats would beg to differ in this dynamic, as they have registered the ‘ambitious’ versions of the Biles-Andrade story. Let’s have a look.

Rebeca Andrade, a potential threat to Simone Biles on the mat?

The two stellar athletes put up a tough fight against each other at the World Championships in Antwerp last year. Each relied on their arsenal to come back home with a tally of medals. In the vault section, the Brazilian reigned supreme as she restricted Biles to the silver and graced the pole position herself.

However, the American star relied on her finesse to redeem herself in the floor round, earning a gold. Besides, Biles continued to dominate as she grabbed the individual all-around title and the balance beam gold medal to her basket.

Besides, the two are also popular globally for their Tokyo Olympics results. Andrade is celebrated in her nation for being the first female Brazilian gymnast who conquered an Olympic medal, for she bagged a vault gold and an all-around silver in 2020. On the other hand, the 27-year-old Biles added a balance beam bronze and a team silver to her collection from Tokyo.

Therefore, there has been a history of a rather organic balance between their medal tallies at high-profile meets. But will it be a clean sweep this time? Let us know who you think can win it all in Paris.