Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles is gearing up for a sensational return at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Biles, a top contender, is expected to excel in the gymnastics finals, particularly in the all-around, vault, and floor events.
This marks Biles' third Olympic appearance. She previously had to withdraw from multiple events at the Tokyo Olympics due to the "twisties," a condition where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness. Despite this, she secured a bronze medal in Tokyo, bringing her total Olympic medal count to seven.
Since then, Biles has shattered numerous records, clinching her sixth world all-around title in 2023. She is the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 medals from world championships and the Olympics, along with nine all-around national titles. Notably, five gymnastics moves are named after her.
Biles has already left an indelible mark on gymnastics, but the Paris Olympics could see her breaking even more records. Here’s what to look out for:
Potential Records for Simone Biles in Paris:
Most Olympic Gold Medals by an American Gymnast: Biles could surpass Anton Heida’s record of five gold medals. She currently has four and needs two more to break the record.
Most Decorated American Olympic Gymnast: Biles needs just one more medal to surpass Shannon Miller’s record of seven Olympic medals of any color.
Oldest Female American Gymnast to Win Olympic Gold: If Biles wins gold, she will break Aly Raisman’s record, who won at age 22 in 2016.
Most Gold Medals by a Female American Athlete: Winning five gold medals in Paris would surpass swimmer Jenny Thompson’s record of eight gold medals.
What to Expect from Simone Biles in Paris:
Biles dominated the Olympic trials, securing the only automatic spot on Team USA with a score of 117.225 for her floor routine set to Taylor Swift's "...Ready For It?" In Paris, she showcased a complex vault known as the "Biles II" during a podium training session. This move, previously known as the Yurchenko double pike, involves a round-off entry, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and two flips with straight legs.
Biles might also have a sixth move named after her during the Games. She submitted a new skill on the uneven bars to the International Gymnastics Federation. If performed without major faults, it will be named in her honor.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
After the Paris Olympics, Biles plans to embark on a post-Olympic tour with other top gymnasts. The newlywed, having recently married football safety Jonathan Owens, has yet to reveal her plans beyond this tour.
The world eagerly awaits to see Biles' extraordinary talent and potential record-breaking performances at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.