Is Simone Biles The Greatest Gymnast Of All Time, Or Is There Someone Else In The Running?
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When she is away, her imminent return dominates the headlines—such is the case with gymnast Simone Biles. The 27-year-old took a two-year hiatus from the sport following the Tokyo Olympics. She returned in 2023, blazing a trail of excellence. First at the USA Classic and then at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, she demonstrated her unparalleled talent. Her remarkable comeback was celebrated by fans worldwide and recognized by prestigious platforms like ESPY and Laureus. Consequently, ESPY honored her with the award for the best comeback performance of the year.
On Thursday, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the 27-year-old gymnast received the much-cherished award. Adding to the moment’s significance, tennis legend Serena Williams announced her as the winner. This full-circle moment was especially poignant, as both Serena Williams and Simone Biles inspire the same generation through their achievements as Black athletes in their respective sports. A few days ago, Simone received her certificate from a legend of a different sport.
LeBron James will enter the Paris Olympics, being the linchpin of the US basketball team in the men’s category. It will be his fourth Olympics in his vast career, but as per him, nothing shines brighter than Simone Biles. In a conversation with ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers trailblazer claimed that his 9-year-old daughter finds inspiration in Simone, and not just that, LeBron had too many words on the gymnast to share.
In that conversation, he stated, “Simone is super dope. And she’s an inspiration to my daughter and to all, not only Black girls in the world, but also, kids, anyone, not only just in gymnastics, but any field.” LeBron James further added that his basketball team in the Olympics will be hyped up to watch Simone Biles doing the magic again on August 1 when the four-time Olympic gold medalist will step in being the oldest American gymnast in the last seven decades to participate in the Olympics. For Simone, her 27 years of age may look heavy in a sport like gymnastics, but she has many things to justify in the French capital, especially after making such a comeback.
Simone Biles feels much better in shape
Before her return to the 2023 US Classic, Simone Biles was in doubt of having public support. Notably, after her scratching from the Tokyo Olympics because of her complicated mental state, ‘twisties’, the WCC member earned almost everyone’s support. But in the shiny zones of support, a few blemishes were also present to criticize her. Ultimately, that impeded her thought process while making the comeback.
But when in August and September, Simone Biles continued to win the US Classic, US Nationals, and the four gold medals in the WAG in Antwerp, public support stood behind her. “What shocks me the most is everyone’s so supportive,” she said while expressing her wonder. Otherwise, she had a zero doubt about her ability.
While her statement “I think I’m in better shape than I was in 2021” adds enough reality to prove her side, her achievements remain not a mere spectator. Her victory in the US Nationals shifted her to the top of the leaderboard with eight national titles. Her medals from the WAG let her become the highest achiever (37 medals) in the history of gymnastics. But is that the end?
No, obviously. This year she has extended her possession with US Nationals and Classics all-around titles. Furthermore, she has entered the US Olympic gymnastics team in the women’s category, being the most favorite. So, that possession of titles is on the brink of witnessing another wave. However, Simone Biles has already sent her words, “I know we’re stronger than what we showed in Tokyo.” For more news on Simone Biles’ achievements, you don’t have to wait for a month.
