Divided by Fractured Relationship, Simone Biles & Gabby Douglas Fought a Lot To Overcome Biggest Gymnastics Struggle

On May 17, 2024, an iconic moment will unfold at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. Three Olympic all-around champions—Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Suni Lee—will compete head-to-head for the first time since the 2016 U.S. Championships. Gymnastics fans are eagerly anticipating the dynamics of this event, particularly the interactions between Biles and Douglas, whose relationship has been strained since the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In Rio, Simone clinched the gold medal in the individual women’s all-around competition, marking a special moment in her career. However, Gabby’s reaction—or lack thereof—marred the celebration. While the stadium erupted in cheers and Simone’s teammates stood to applaud, Gabby remained seated, only managing a smile. This incident sparked speculation about a rift between the two gymnasts.

Furthermore, the tension escalated in November 2017 when Gabby Douglas made a controversial comment about abuse faced by their teammate Aly Raisman. In a since-deleted tweet, Gabby stated, “It is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy.” Simone Biles responded with disappointment, tweeting, “Honestly seeing this brings me to tears bc as your teammate I expected more from you & to support her.”

This public exchange highlighted the fractured relationship between the two gymnasts, who had been close before these events. Eight years later, it will be intriguing to witness the evolution of the relationship, especially considering how they were with each other before the drama. However, despite their differences, both Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas have fought hard to overcome similar struggles in their gymnastics careers.

Gabby Douglas’ gymnastics fear turned into her strength

In 2018, there was this hilarious video on YouTube by the LOL Network where Kevin Hart and Gabby Douglas recorded an episode of Cold As Balls. They talked about everything from the Olympics to gymnastics to gold medals and even did a rapid-fire question session while chilling in an ice bath.

It was all fun and games until Kevin asked Gabby to choose between the floor exercise and the balance beam. And guess what? Gabby surprised everyone by choosing the beam! Her reasoning? “Because a lot of people are scared of the beam. Like so nervous, and I always have to be dominant.” This moment was pretty interesting, especially considering Gabby’s history with the beam.

In 2014, CBS Sports asked her which event induced the most fear in her, and she said it was the beam. She explained that it was different for everyone, but for most gymnasts, it would be the beam. She described it as intimidating due to its narrow width and said, “It’s so scary. It’s so skinny.” Gabby revealed, “[I was able to be] more confident and master it was when I was like 15. It took me that long. I was really great at beam and loved it at 13, but as I was getting older, I didn’t like the beam and kept having mistakes at different competitions.”

Despite the challenges, Gabby persevered, learning to approach and attack the beam with determination. She became the 2012 Olympic all-around champion and was a member of the gold-winning teams at both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. The video with Kevin Hart showcased how she conquered her fears and found the confidence to dominate the beam. Now, let’s see how the fear of the balance beam also affected Simone Biles.

Simone Biles’ fear of the balance beam

Despite being a seven-time Olympic medalist, Simone Biles had a “love-hate” relationship with the balance beam. In an exclusive interview with USA Today Sports in 2019, she opened up: “I have this love-hate relationship with the beam. I’ve always told myself, ‘If you hate the beam, the beam will hate you.’” Simone, the world champion on the balance beam in both 2014 and 2015, was expected to win gold in Rio after finishing first in qualifying.

However, during the event final, she slipped on the landing of a front-tucked somersault. She wobbled and had to grab onto the beam to prevent a fall. Biles was so sure she wouldn’t be on the podium that she wore her regular Team USA warmup gear instead of the special one given to U.S. athletes for the medals stand. But despite the mishap, she managed to secure the bronze medal on the balance beam at the Rio Olympics.

Then, in 2021, at the Tokyo Olympics, after withdrawing from most of the final events, Simone made a remarkable comeback for the Balance Beam Finals, securing a bronze medal. Fresh from her historic performance in Tokyo, Simone took to Instagram for a Q&A session. A fan asked Simone, “Are you not afraid of the beam?” Simone replied, “Nope. Even though it’s betrayed me multiple times.”

In 2023, Simone Biles proved that she had conquered this fear. Not only did she earn a gold medal in the all-around at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, but she also took gold in the Balance Beam apparatus finals. It’s interesting to note that Simone Biles has a balance beam move named after her in the FIG Code of Points called Biles on Beam, a double-twisting double backflip. Biles first performed this move at the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

With just two days left until these queens return to showcase their dominance on the gymnastics floor, who do you think will reign supreme on the balance beam? Share your thoughts in the comments below!