Home/Olympics
0
  Debate

Debate

Is the 'Gold Over America Tour' the best thing to happen to gymnastics in years?

Any chance to witness Simone Biles in gymnastics action is something her fans will never miss! Especially when there’s no pressure of competing, simply pure gymnastics, intermixed with music and concert-style celebration! But how could fans board such an adventurous ride? Was there a format that offered this? Well, starting a few years back, the Gold Over America Tour was launched, and it exactly matched the memo!

On September 16, 2024, the most recent chapter of the GOAT tour begins in America, halting at exactly 30 pitstops over the fall. But do you know when and how this event was flagged off? We’re here with all the details!

Gold Over America Tour history and how it came into existence

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Initially limited to women gymnasts, the commencement of the Gold Over America Tour was announced by Simone Biles in 2019, who admitted, “I love the sport of gymnastics and wanted to help create a show that celebrates the pure joy of performing.” She was set to headline this tour, starting in 2020, which would be a great fusion of sports and entertainment, hoping to catch the eye of aspiring gymnasts.

However, the tour that was scheduled for after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics eventually took place from September 2021 to November, visiting 32 cities. And while Biles was the prime face of the tour, it featured decorated gymnasts like Katelyn Ohashi (the first announced cast member), Jade Carey, MyKayla Skinner, Laurie Hernandez, Grace McCallum, and Jordan Chiles as the other performing stars. After three years now, the expanse has widened! Courtesy of this, the male gymnasts are now ready to make their debut in the 2024 version.

But do you know the idea for this started off as early as 2017? Yes! After Simone Biles returned from the 2016 Olympics after a year-long hiatus. She now had 5 Olympic medals and 4 golds! But what was it that she wanted to do next? Well, suggestions were to do things as small as starting a perfume line or even flagging off a one-of-a-kind tour. Obviously, she aimed for the stars and picked the latter, saying, “That would be the coolest thing ever!”

However, the first Athleta Gold Over America Tour did have its share of ups and downs. Especially when two shows in Oklahoma City and Antonio, TX, got canceled, with fans being provided adequate justification. Also, people who splurged money to purchase the tickets were riled up about not getting a refund. As Biles’ post later revealed to them, “Unfortunately, I found out when you found it. So they are both equally upsetting.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But where do you reckon Simone Biles envisioned taking the GOAT tour? Was it for them to relish the sport in a lighter and more electrifying setup, or did the Houston native have a larger purpose?

What’s your perspective on:

Is the 'Gold Over America Tour' the best thing to happen to gymnastics in years?

Have an interesting take?

The major purpose of Simone Biles’ Gold Over America Tour?

The monicker GOAT is not just used for the 11x Olympic medalist, Simone Biles, but is also short for the Gold Over America Tour, one that people remember after her. Why not? It was she who first announced it in 2019. And as she reminisced about the memories of the 2021 version, she voiced her vision behind it. She said, “A lot of what we do is for the kid.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Getty

Executing the choreography on stage with these energetic children is truly their favorite part. “We love entertaining, we love their support, so to share the stage with them is just so special,” she remarked. Thus, if you ask her, the GOAT tour is like an ‘ode’ to these budding enthusiasts, who show up in aww-worthy outfits. Well, that is a bonus that Simone Biles loves! “I love their little custom outfits, it was so cute,” she said. What is your favorite part about the Gold Over America Tour? Share your thoughts below!