We’ve Never Seen Simone Biles Like This Before
At May’s Core Hydration Classic, the opening meet of the 2024 Olympic gymnastics selection season, Simone Biles made a stunning entrance. Dressed in a captivating Barbie-pink leotard, Biles stepped onto the floor exercise mat to the electrifying sounds of Taylor Swift’s “…Ready for It?” The crowd at Hartford’s XL Center erupted even before Biles executed her signature opening tumbling pass, the Biles II, a triple-twisting double back tuck.
This unexpected crossover of gymnastics and Swiftie fandom was a delightful surprise. The Reputation opener is a bold statement to Swift’s critics, perfectly aligning with Biles’ triumphant comeback after being unfairly labeled a “quitter” by detractors. Both Biles and Swift are also in high-profile relationships with professional football players, sparking speculation about their potential friendship.
A Powerful Performance in 2024
Biles’ choice of song reflected the assertiveness and confidence of her 2024 performances. Her recent win at the U.S. Championships on June 2 highlighted her dominance, with a margin of victory of 6 points in a sport typically decided by tenths. Even after a fall on vault during Night 2, Biles’ score was so high that she could have fallen six more times and still claimed her ninth national title.
Her routines in 2024 showcased the return of her 2021-level difficulty. She performed her triple-double on floor, the Yurchenko double pike on vault, and the double-double dismount off bars, among other extraordinary skills. But beyond her physical prowess, Biles appeared mentally and emotionally solid, radiating a lighter, more carefree energy compared to three years ago.
The Road to the Olympics
Reflecting on the Tokyo Games, Biles’ gymnastics in 2021 was arguably at its peak. After taking a hiatus post-2016 Rio Olympics, she returned in 2018 with new, harder skills and dominated the World Championships despite multiple falls and a kidney stone. Heading into Tokyo, she was the undisputed best in the world.
However, the pandemic and domestic unrest took a toll on Biles and the USA Gymnastics program, which was still recovering from scandals that emerged after Rio. The postponed Olympics disrupted athletes’ meticulously planned training schedules. The U.S. women’s program, still reeling from these scandals, leaned heavily on Biles’ dominance.
The Tokyo Twisties Incident
The immense pressure was evident on Biles’ face and in her performances, which, despite being majestic, displayed an uncontrolled edge. This culminated in the “twisties” incident during the Tokyo Olympics, where Biles lost air awareness mid-vault. Wisely, she withdrew from subsequent events, except for the beam final, to ensure her safety and the team’s success. She secured a bronze medal, which she now treasures the most.
After Tokyo, Biles took another hiatus, focusing on her health and family. This break was crucial for someone who appeared miserable while performing the sport she once dominated.
The Unbothered Era of Simone Biles
As we approach the Olympics in her coaches’ homeland, it’s clear that the unbothered era of Simone Biles has arrived. Her 2024 performances reflect a renewed mental and emotional strength, making her a formidable contender on the road to the Olympics.
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