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Debate

Is Simone Biles redefining what it means to be a champion by choosing personal growth over medals?

“I’m getting older. 27 is a little bit old for a gymnast,” said Simone Biles during her appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show. She had been asked whether she would be participating in the LA Olympics. After her very successful Paris campaign, this seemed like a natural step for many. However, Simone revealed that while she was still young outside the gym, her body had started showing signs of age inside it. Thus, she is unsure whether she’ll return for the next competition, which is still four years down the line.

This has made the gymnastics community more eager to watch her at the currently ongoing Gold Over America Tour. Many believe that this is the last opportunity they’d have to get to see Simone Biles perform live again, as she’s unlikely to return to professional competition. This topic helped incite a lot of reactions from the members of the community in a Reddit post.

A user named Hot_Juggernaut885 uploaded a post on the gymnastics community of Reddit saying that they would like to take their daughter to the Gold Over America Tour but felt that the ticket was too expensive. The user also thought that this tour might be the last one Simone Biles embarks on and was thus very curious about it.

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The user said, “I’d like to take my daughter to see the GOAT tour, but I was wondering if it’s worth $160+/ticket or $50-90/ticket.” They added, “Has anyone gone? If so, what did you spend, and did you feel it was worth it? I’m a big gymnastics fan (10 years as a gymnast), and my daughter has been doing gymnastics for 3 years now in a non-competitive fashion. I’m a big Simone Biles fan and am also wondering if this might be her last go-round.” Thus, now it was up to the members to provide their opinions.

Many users remarked that going to this tour might be the original poster’s last chance to see Simone Biles perform live. As uncertainty clouds her next Olympics appearance, the only way they can guarantee seeing her perform is the Gold Over America Tour.

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Is Simone Biles redefining what it means to be a champion by choosing personal growth over medals?

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Some members talked about how the show could be a huge source of enjoyment for the daughter, as she is the main age group the tour is trying to target. Others said that while the price might be on the expensive side, it is worth giving it to watch all the gymnasts perform together. Thus, they recommended the OP go watch the tour. But most of the conversations were steered around Simone Biles’ eventual retirement from the sport.

Fans discuss Gold Over America Tour possibly being Simone Biles’ last-ever live performance

One user said, “I really enjoyed it. We spent $300ish for two tickets after fees. We didn’t spend any other cash, as I’m not a merch person. I figured that it could be the last time to see Simone in person (though fingers crossed for LA28/continuing the GOAT tour), and it was worth it in that regard.” This user highlighted the fact that Simone Biles may not show up at the LA Olympics, which was why they brought the tickets. While the gymnast has not confirmed the fate of her career yet, she has dropped hints along the way.

In an interview with NESN, the gymnast remarked that the sport isn’t known for the longevity of its athletes. She then added that while the athletes are now pushing the boundaries with the right training and recovery, it’s not unnatural to ask the retirement question. However, she didn’t confirm or deny anything. The original poster to this comment replied, expressing the same sentiment.

They said, “I’m scared it will be my last opportunity to see her in person as well! I was debating waiting until the week before or day of, but, again, scared seats might sell out and I’ll miss my chance! If she’s competing in LA28, I won’t miss it!” If Simone Biles does make it to the LA Olympics, chances are that people will be fighting for tickets. This becomes evident when one takes a look at the high-profile celebrity list that was present in the stands while she was competing at the Paris Olympics.

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It includes stars like Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, Ariana Grande, and numerous others. Considering that the next Olympics is in an American city, a gymnastics event that features Simone might break some records for the stadium population. Another user talked about how they took their daughter, who loved the performance.

“I took my 10yo daughter, and she loved it. We spent about 70 a ticket and were way up high, but still could see pretty well. It is a mixture of lots of gymnastics and dance. We spent a bit on food, but that was our only extra. I am glad we went but am also glad I did not spend more.” The fact that the younger age group seems to be enjoying Simone Biles’ show is great news for the organizers.

This is because they are the main audience who were being targeted throughout the show. Through the tour, the gymnast wants to inspire the next generation to take up gymnastics and continue her legacy. If they enjoy a gymnastics-centered show at such a young age, there are chances they might take up the sport in the future.

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A user said, “Already got my tickets for next week!! I’m so excited.” The GOAT squad will travel to six new cities next week. They are Boston, Baltimore, Charlotte, Sunrise, Orlando, and Duluth. With great reviews of the tour pouring in day by day, public intrigue is increasing, making them buy more and more tickets. The rumors of Simone Biles’ retirement have also helped increase the sales. Thus, the Gold Over America Tour is on the right track to become a roaring success.

 

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