Simone Biles is leaving the Paris Olympics with three gold medals and one silver, making her an 11-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history.
After largely withdrawing from the Tokyo Games in 2020, Biles has bounced back, referring to her performance in this year’s Summer Olympics as her “redemption tour.” The 27-year-old gymnast took home the gold in the individual and team all-arounds, as well as the vault, during which she landed her signature double pike. Although Biles stumbled in the balance beam rotation and missed the podium, she ended competition with a silver medal for her floor routine.
“Obviously, it wasn’t my best performance, but at the end of the day, whoever medaled, medaled, and that’s what’s so exciting, because you just never know, it’s gymnastics,” Biles said after her final performance. “I’ve accomplished way more than my wildest dreams, not just at this Olympics, but in the sport, so I can’t be mad at my performances. A couple years ago, I didn’t think I’d be back here at an Olympic Games, so competing and then walking away with four medals… I’m pretty proud of myself.”
While it was previously assumed that she would retire after the Paris Olympics, Biles isn’t ruling out competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. After winning the gold in the vault, Biles said, “Never say never.”
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, has once again proven why she is the GOAT. After a heartbreaking Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from multiple events due to mental health struggles, Biles returned to the grandest stage at the Paris Olympics 2024. This time, she left no doubt, securing four medals and completing what many are calling her “redemption tour.”
Her journey back to the top wasn’t just about medals—it was about resilience, determination, and rewriting the narrative. Let’s dive into her inspiring story, the events she conquered, and what this means for the future of gymnastics.
Simone Biles’ Comeback: Overcoming the Tokyo Setback
The “Twisties” and Mental Health Advocacy
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), Biles shocked the world by withdrawing from several events due to a condition known as the “twisties”—a mental block that prevents gymnasts from keeping track of their positioning mid-air. Instead of pushing through and risking serious injury, she prioritized her mental health, sparking a global conversation about the importance of athletes’ well-being.
Training for Paris 2024: A Road to Redemption
After stepping away from the sport for nearly two years, Biles made a sensational return at the U.S. Championships in 2023. She gradually rebuilt her confidence, refining her routines and working with mental health professionals to prepare for Paris.
Paris Olympics 2024: Event-by-Event Breakdown
1. Women’s Team Final – Leading Team USA to Victory
Biles played a crucial role in helping Team USA clinch gold in the women’s team event. With powerful vaults and flawless floor routines, she anchored the squad and solidified their dominance in gymnastics.
2. Individual All-Around – A Golden Performance
Winning the individual all-around gold was a crowning achievement for Biles. Her routines displayed a perfect blend of difficulty, execution, and artistry, earning her the top spot on the podium once again.
3. Vault Final – The Yurchenko Double Pike Masterpiece
Biles wowed the crowd with her signature Yurchenko double pike vault, a move so challenging that only she has performed it at the Olympic level. She secured a silver medal in the vault final, narrowly missing gold but proving her unparalleled skill.
4. Balance Beam Final – A Poised and Powerful Performance
On the balance beam, Biles delivered a near-perfect routine, earning another silver medal. Her ability to combine difficulty with grace highlighted her evolution as a gymnast.
Why This Comeback Is So Significant
A Statement of Resilience
Biles’ performance in Paris wasn’t just about reclaiming medals—it was about proving that setbacks don’t define greatness. Her ability to bounce back from adversity and compete at the highest level is a testament to her strength.
Inspiring a New Generation of Athletes
By prioritizing mental health and openly discussing her struggles, Biles has paved the way for athletes to speak out without fear of stigma. Her journey is inspiring countless young gymnasts to pursue their dreams while taking care of their mental and physical well-being.
Simone Biles’ Legacy in Gymnastics
The Most Decorated Gymnast Ever
With her new medals from Paris, Biles has further cemented her legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history. Her combined World Championship and Olympic medals put her in a league of her own.
Innovator of the Sport
From the Biles I and Biles II on floor to her groundbreaking vaults, she has pushed the boundaries of difficulty, forcing the gymnastics community to rethink scoring and difficulty ratings.
Role Model Beyond the Gym
Biles has become an icon beyond gymnastics. Her advocacy for mental health, abuse survivors, and young athletes makes her a role model for people worldwide.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
While she hasn’t announced her retirement, Biles has hinted at taking things one step at a time. Whether she continues competing or transitions into coaching and mentorship, her impact on the sport is undeniable.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ journey from Tokyo heartbreak to Paris triumph is nothing short of legendary. She didn’t just win medals; she won hearts and changed the conversation around mental health in sports. Her comeback solidifies her as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and whether she competes in future Olympics or not, her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
