Simone Biles is back and better than ever. The world watched as she led Team USA to a gold medal in gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, showing a remarkable transformation from the athlete who withdrew from the Tokyo Games three years ago due to a mental health crisis.
Before her vault, Biles stood confidently, undeterred by memories of Tokyo. She executed the Cheng vault perfectly, helping the U.S. take a lead they never lost.
“After I finished vault, I felt relieved,” Biles said at a press conference. “There were no flashbacks.”
In Tokyo, Biles’ sudden withdrawal from the team final left her teammates scrambling. They ended up with a silver medal. But on Tuesday, her flawless vault convinced her they were on track for gold.
“As soon as I landed, I knew we had it,” Biles said.
Simone Biles Leads Team USA to Victory at Bercy Arena
Her teammate Jordan Chiles shared her relief. “I was thinking, hallelujah, no flashbacks,” she said with a laugh.
The veteran team celebrated each other’s performances throughout the four rotations at Bercy Arena, finishing nearly six points ahead of silver medalists Italy. Brazil took the bronze.
“It was super exciting,” said Biles, smiling and even dancing with Chiles on the sidelines. “We had fun and enjoyed our time out there.”
Biles’ withdrawal from Tokyo due to the “twisties,” a condition causing a dangerous loss of spatial awareness, sparked a global conversation on athlete mental health. After taking a two-year break to focus on herself, the 27-year-old returned happier, healthier, and stronger.
“I started my day with therapy, feeling calm and ready,” Biles shared. “And that’s exactly what happened.”
Chiles praised Biles’ growth. “You can tell she’s a different person now,” she said. “I always love to say I train with the GOAT of all GOATs. She’s always in my heart.”
FAQs
What happened to Simone Biles at the Tokyo Olympics?
Simone Biles withdrew from the team final at the Tokyo Olympics due to the “twisties,” a condition causing a temporary loss of spatial awareness, and focused on her mental health.
How did Simone Biles perform at the Paris Olympics?
Simone Biles led Team USA to a gold medal in gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, performing flawlessly and showing no signs of the issues that affected her in Tokyo.
What is the “twisties” in gymnastics?
The “twisties” is a condition where gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness while in the air, making it difficult and dangerous to perform.
How has Simone Biles changed since Tokyo?
Since Tokyo, Simone Biles has taken a two-year break to focus on her mental health and well-being, returning to the sport happier, healthier, and more confident.
Who are Simone Biles’ teammates?
Simone Biles’ close teammate and friend, Jordan Chiles, along with the rest of Team USA, celebrated their gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics.
What impact did Simone Biles’ withdrawal from Tokyo have on the conversation about athlete mental health?
Simone Biles’ withdrawal opened a global conversation on the importance of mental health for athletes, highlighting the need for support and understanding in sports.
How Team U.S.A. Women’s Rugby Sevens is Taking the Olympics by Storm
MORE MUST-READS FROM liveupdatechannel
To get all the Updated news, Stay in touch with the liveupdatechannel here