When Simone Biles made history in Paris by winning three gold medals, it wasn’t just another achievement for the legendary gymnast—it was a deeply emotional moment.
At 27, Biles now boasts 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold.
After clinching these new titles, she found herself overwhelmed with emotions. The turning point came as she walked back to the Paris Olympic Village with her teammates following the women’s floor final.
In a candid moment on the ‘TODAY’ Show, Biles shared that upon returning to the village, she broke down in tears. “I looked at Jordan [Chiles] and I started balling my eyes out,” she recounted.
Chiles, understanding the weight of the moment, simply responded, “I knew it was going to happen, I just didn’t know when.”
Biles described her feelings as a mix of pride, joy, and a touch of sadness.
“I was so proud, happy, and bittersweet that the journey is over,” she said. The speed at which her third Olympics came and went was almost surreal to her.
While Biles hasn’t ruled out the possibility of competing in a fourth Olympics, she’s keeping her options open. “You know, you never say never,” she told Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on the ‘TODAY’ Show.
With the next Olympics set to be in Los Angeles, Biles is leaving her future in gymnastics up in the air for now.
Facing Online Criticism
Before even heading back home, Biles faced a personal challenge. Former teammate MyKayla Skinner, who had previously criticized Biles, asked her to address the online bullying she’s encountered.
Despite the negativity, Biles received support from unexpected quarters, including former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Obama defended Biles after she bowed to her Brazilian rival, Rebeca Andrade, following the floor final, where Biles took silver and Chiles earned bronze.
Overcoming Anxiety
During the Paris Games, Biles also managed her anxiety, known in gymnastics as the ‘Twisties,’ by seeking therapy three or four times. This helped her cope with the pressures of competition and maintain her focus.
Moving Forward
Now, as she prepares to return home, Biles plans to relax and see where life takes her next, reflecting on a career filled with both triumph and personal growth.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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