Simone Biles made global headlines when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics. Her triumphant return in 2023 reignited admiration as she showcased the same unparalleled vigor and skill that defined her career. Recently securing her 9th Xfinity US National Championship title, she stands atop a mountain of accolades. Yet, behind the glittering triumphs lies a story of determination. 

Through years of setbacks, she’s proven her resilience. Injuries tested her body, criticism of her mind, and doubt clouded her dreams. In an exclusive glimpse into the psyche of the celebrated gymnast, choreographer Grégory Milan, sheds light on how Biles’ inner “rage“ acts as a shield, fiercely protecting her from external pressures and criticisms. The athlete now prioritizes self-care, wholeheartedly pursuing her Olympic dreams while maintaining her mental well-being.

In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Grégory Milan discussed Simone Biles’ remarkable resurgence. Milan shared insights with interviewer Mahalakshmi Murali about Biles’ magnificent rise from adversity. When asked how Biles overcame the horrible trauma of the “twisties” after her 2020 Tokyo Games, he said, “it’s difficult for me to talk about Simone on this topic because I don’t know her well enough.”

However, from his experience of working alongside Biles, he added, “It’s hard to say but I think she had to fight and it made her even stronger. And today, I think she is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn’t want.” Biles’ coach, Cecile Landi, also echoed the same sentiment and made it clear that this time around the focus is on Biles’ well-being and her mental health.

Landi and Milan are long-time friends, and Biles likely met Milan through Landi herself. Milan, a seasoned dancer and a graduate of l’Opéra de Paris, boasts multiple accolades. Milan’s success with the French gymnastics team makes him a perfect match for Simone. Milan is guiding Biles through her routines this year, and the two have formed a close bond. He also made appearances in several of her social media posts, where the two were seen practicing lifts and twirls as part of Biles’ revamped floor routine.

Milan’s praise for Biles’ return after a two-year break was significant. In the exclusive interview, he said, “I think now the only one who makes her decisions and knows what she wants is Simone,” adding, “I think Simone has incredible strength in her. And I think she is capable of surprising us even more with that strength.”

He also emphasized how much support Biles is getting from her husband and NFL player Jonathan Owens, saying, “And I believe Simone is very happy with her husband. And I think this marriage has made her even happier and prouder of the woman she is today.” His statements of pride and adoration are backed up by the incredible season Simone Biles has been having so far this Olympic year. 

Simone Biles: overcoming mental block and getting ready for Paris

In the 2020 Summer Olympics, right after the COVID-19 pandemic, Biles experienced an unexpected setback. During her routine, she failed to perform 2.5 twists and a full Amanar vault during the finals. She then withdrew from the competition after just one rotation and skipped the AA finals as well. Biles confessed at the time, “Sometimes I can’t even fathom twisting. I seriously cannot comprehend how to twist.” But in 2024, those days are over. Biles has sought professional help to stop her from feeling like a “failure.”

Even Cecile Landi has supported this decision, saying, “She’s really in tune with how she’s feeling mentally and physically, speaking up about it, keeping up with her therapist weekly. She knows it’s important. We’ve scheduled a lot of appointments until the end and making sure she has that routine going ’cause she knows she needs it. It’s an escape and it’s also what helps her continue what she’s doing.“ Now it’s only forward and upward for Biles and the world anticipates her magic once more at the Olympic trials in Minneapolis, and ultimately in Paris 2024.