Simone Biles, the renowned gymnast, has set her sights on competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris after her struggles with mental health forced her to withdraw from multiple events at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Biles, 26, returned to the sport last month following a two-year hiatus to prioritize her mental well-being. During an appearance on the Today show, Biles revealed her desire to participate in the upcoming Olympics while acknowledging the need to prioritize self-care. She stated that she is currently undergoing therapy to ensure everything is aligned after her previous mental health issues.
When asked by host Hoda Kotb if she should bet on her competing at the 2024 Olympics, Biles coyly responded, Right now, I would say that’s the path I would love to go [on], so I wouldn’t mind if you put it in the ‘yay’ section. Biles’s confirmation was met with excitement by Craig Melvin, who exclaimed, She’s going to Paris!
At the Tokyo Olympics, Biles shocked the world when she announced her withdrawal from four out of five event finals due to experiencing the twisties, a mental block that results in a sense of being lost in the air. She later hinted that her struggles were also connected to the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of former national team doctor, Larry Nassar. Biles expressed her determination to take better care of herself and listen to her body, with a focus on intentional therapy and aligning her mental and physical well-being.
Biles, a seven-time Olympic medalist, has recently married NFL star Jonathan Owens. According to sources, it was Owens who encouraged her to return to gymnastics, understanding the importance of pursuing what she excels at while she still has the time and ability to do so. While Biles’s return to the sport has been successful, she remains cautious and intends to prioritize her mental and physical states. She wants to excel in the gym while maintaining her roles as a wife, daughter, and friend.
Reflecting on her comeback, Biles highlighted the importance of trust in her coach, teammates, and herself. Although she sometimes doubts herself, therapy and consistent effort have helped alleviate her fears. With continued therapy and aligning everything in her life, Biles feels positive about her current state of mind.
Biles made a triumphant return to gymnastics, winning the All-Around, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise titles at the US Classic in Illinois. A few weeks later, she secured her eighth US Championship all-around title. As she progresses in her comeback, Biles remains focused on one step at a time, not ruling out the possibility of aiming for gold at the Olympics if her upcoming competitions go well.
Simone Biles’s determination, strength, and resilience continue to inspire fans worldwide. As she works towards her goal of competing in the 2024 Olympics, Biles’s commitment to self-care and mental well-being serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing one’s health in pursuit of athletic excellence.
