JAMIE SQUIRE / Getty Images via AFP
American gymnastics champion Simone Biles pictured on June 30, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
SPORT – “I knew after Tokyo that I wasn’t finished.” Three years after collapsing at the Tokyo Olympic Games, the famous American gymnast Simone Biles is preparing to make her comeback in international competition. The four-time Olympic champion in Rio in 2016 officially qualified this Sunday June 30 for the Paris Olympic Games which will open on July 26.
The 27-year-old champion returned to the Olympic rings by brilliantly winning the American trials in Minneapolis. Known for her exceptional technique, power and great precision, she once again wowed the crowd, particularly her « Biles II » (Yurchenko double pike), so difficult that no other gymnast has ever attempted it in competition.
It’s already a form of victory for the gymnast, who hopes to shine even more when she arrives in Paris. During the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she had given up on several events. She had initially explained that she was the victim of « twisties » (loss of bearings in space), before opening up about his mental health problems.
Simone Biles then took a long time off the field, not returning to competition until August 2023, keeping doubts about her willingness to go all the way to Paris. She had then won the world all-around title in the fall in Antwerp and the national all-around title three weeks ago.
Accompanied by Suni Lee for her return
To make her big comeback, the little 1.42m tall Texan will be accompanied in Paris by Suni Lee. “This is really our redemption tour. I feel like we all have more to give,” Biles said. Indeed, the Olympics are also an opportunity for Suni Lee to make an emotional return, after overcoming two kidney illnesses that nearly ended his career. “I have always been surrounded by people who never gave up.”she said on Sunday, before bursting into tears.
Jordan Chiles, team silver medalist in Tokyo with Biles and Lee, will be there, as will reigning Olympic floor champion Jade Carey and 16-year-old Hezly Rivera. “I love these girls and I will take care of them in Paris” promised Biles, now the oldest member of Team USA.
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