Simone Biles definitely felt happy about her crowning moments, but it was her competitor’s joy that brought her the biggest smiles. Biles was seen in a jovial mood throughout the Paris Olympics as she won 3 gold medals and a silver. Coming from the nightmarish outing of Tokyo, these accolades were indeed moments to be cherished forever by the US gymnastics queen. However, being the champion that she is, Biles seemed more happy when she saw her competitors make it big at the highest level.
Speaking to Olympics.com correspondent and her former teammate Aly Raisman, Biles stated, “When it’s something for somebody else, I know and I see the hard work that they put it… Whenever I see somebody else accomplish it, I feel like that’s the excitement I get because I’ve seen the hours and I wish I could celebrate myself like that… I’m like, ‘Wooo! Let’s go!’” Surely, the exact emotion could be seen in various instances in Paris.
For example, when Suni Lee won the bronze medal on the uneven bar apparatus, Biles was spotted cheering loudly for the Tokyo gold medalist. Similarly, during the last phase of the floor event final, Biles initially tried to cheer up Jordan Chiles as she missed a podium finish by a whisker. However, after a requested inquiry went right, Chiles broke down in tears as she clinched the bronze medal with 13.766, toppling A. Barbosa from Romania who scored 13.700. As soon as the change in scores was updated, Simone Biles made the biggest cheer and danced to the success of her young teammate.
Well, these were instances when Biles cheered for her own country mates. But setting a stark example of sportsmanship at the Paris Olympics, the 27-year-old gymnastics icon also seemed overwhelmed with happiness when her arch-rival Rebeca Andrade and Italian gymnast Alice D’Amato won their maiden Olympic gold in Paris.
This was quite shocking, as Rebeca Andrade had almost ruined Simone Biles’ redemption story. Competing in the all-around finals, when Biles faltered on the uneven bars, Andrade looked to snatch the gold away from the US icon. And remember, that would have been a catastrophic blow to Biles as she badly wanted to get the gold after what transpired in Tokyo.
This was quite shocking, as Rebeca Andrade had almost ruined Simone Biles’ redemption story. Competing in the all-around finals, when Biles faltered on the uneven bars, Andrade looked to snatch the gold away from the US icon. And remember, that would have been a catastrophic blow to Biles as she badly wanted to get the gold after what transpired in Tokyo.
In a shockingly heartwarming gesture, during the podium ceremony of the floor apparatus, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowed down to Rebeca Andrade as she received the gold medal with a 14.166 score on the floor.
Now, Simone Biles does not only support her fellow gymnasts only during their triumphs. Just like a true leader, the iconic gymnast also helps youngsters like Suni Lee cope with depression and come out on the bright side of life.
When Simone Biles saved Suni Lee from being tagged as a ‘loser’
Competing on the balance beam in Paris 2024, Suni Lee had the most uncharacteristic experiences. Known to be one of her strongest forte, the all-around champion suffered a brutal fall that shattered her chances of clinching a medal. Feeling dejected, Lee retreated back with a sad face.
Sensing the moment, Simone Biles immediately ran up to her, embraced her, and started cheering her up. Biles knew how heavy the pressure of expectations can weigh on an athlete. After all, Biles was being tagged as a ‘loser’ after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics. She did not want the same incident to happen with Suni Lee again.
Prior to Paris, when Suni Lee was going through a difficult state of mind, Simone Biles was there to save her day. Following the disastrous news of her kidney complications, Lee was advised not to come back to gymnastics again. Fortunately, after some time, Lee’s medicines began to work. But that brought in another set of struggles. An overweight Suni Lee felt the pressure of the Auburn audience too much to take. This led Lee to succumb to depression and consider retirement prior to Paris.
Simone Biles promptly stepped in and counseled her out of the darkness. Reflecting upon the incident, Biles stated, “She was, like, ‘I’m not OK… believe in her gymnastics… I wanted her to trust in her abilities and know she could handle the tough moments.” Thus, looking back on these incidents, it is evident that Simone Biles is not legendary just because of her own accomplishments. It is her ability to channel the positive vibe into everyone around her that truly makes her an immortal of the sport.
