Let’s go back to the Tokyo Olympics. On her first event in the team final, Simone Biles attempted the two-and-a-half twisting Yurchenko vault. But as the “twisties” took over and she aborted the skill midway, narrowly avoiding injury, what was the first thing she thought? “America hates me. The world is going to hate me.” But fast forward three years to the US Olympic Trials for Paris. As the 27-year-old executed her Floor Exercise routine to near perfection, you can’t help but think that the only thing running through Biles’ mind would be that she’s…Ready for it. And she’s not the only one.
The seven-time Olympic medalist electrified the Target Center during the 2024 US Olympic Gymnastics Trials, putting herself just one step away from the Paris Olympics. Biles soared to the top of the standings on Women’s Night One, commanding all the attention with an impressive all-around score of 58.900. As she prepared for her fourth and final rotation, the arena erupted in cheers. And even though he may not have been in Minneapolis to witness it live, it looks like few rivaled Alexis Ohanian’s elation.
Simone Biles dazzled the audience with her Floor Exercise routine, where she unleashed her explosive power and artistic flair to Taylor Swift’s…Ready For It? Her routine showcased impressive moves like a triple-double and a front layout full through to a double-double sequence. Although she made some minor adjustments to her landings, Simone delivered a commanding performance, earning a solid score of 14.725. Here are the top five scores on the floor: –
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Simone Biles | 14.725 |
Jade Carey | 14.150 |
Jordan Chiles | 14.100 |
Joscelyn Roberson | 13.925 |
Suni Lee | 13.850 |
Watching Simone Biles do her thing and take everyone by storm, Serena Williams’ husband couldn’t help but express his elation on X. Caught up in the moment, Alexis Ohanian simply wrote, “Simone!” Considering how resilient Biles has had to be to recover from the “twisties” and come back stronger than ever – dominating her outings at the Core Hydration Classic and the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships, where she won a record ninth all-around title – it’s been a remarkable journey.
Reflecting on Alexis Ohanian’s applause for Simone Biles, it’s clear this wasn’t the first time he’s been awestruck by her and her impressive Floor Routine. When Biles made a triumphant comeback with a brand-new Floor Routine at the Core Hydration Classic that featured her iconic Triple Double first pass, choreographed to Taylor Swift hits, Ohanian shared a video of the routine on X, expressing, “It’s so good to see her back.”
Furthermore, he also recounted how his and Serena’s six-year-old daughter, Olympia, couldn’t contain her excitement as she watched Biles’ comeback clip. He wrote, “Jr. sees this and starts tumbling over the sofa. Love to see it.” It looks like Olympia and Simone Biles’ niece, Ronni, have something in common! But did you know Olympia’s admiration for Biles began when she was just one year old?
Simone!
— Alexis Ohanian 🇦🇲 (@alexisohanian) June 29, 2024
Back in 2019, Serena Williams and a gymnastics coach supported the tiny Olympia as she bravely walked across a high balance beam. The little toddler looked laser-focused. Sharing the moment on Instagram, the 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote, “Can’t wait for Olympia Ohanian to get tips from Simone Biles.” Simone Biles quickly spotted the post and commented, “Oh my goodness, I’ll give her a lesson any day!”
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As Biles now stands just two days away from securing her ticket to her third Olympics, this heartfelt connection to Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian adds to the excitement of her journey. And it’s safe to say Ohanian’s elation echoed the enthusiasm of millions of Americans tuning in across the country. One of them was the maker of Biles’ soundtrack!
Taylor Swift is on Team Simone Biles!
When it comes to acknowledging and showing their appreciation for anyone succeeding or making a difference through what they do, Taylor Swift is one of the first people to express her support. So when Simone Biles used one of the popstar’s songs for her routine – and executed it the way she did – how could Swift have not commented?
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After NBC Olympics posted Biles’ Floor Exercise routine on X, Taylor Swift responded, “Watched this so many times and still unready. She’s ready for it tho👏👏👏🥇🇺🇸❤️” Turns out, the 34-year-old wasn’t the only one who gave Biles a shoutout in the replies. And if you thought Alexis Ohanian was the only connection to tennis that Biles’ routine had, you’d be wrong. Because the World No.1 in women’s tennis appreciated Biles, too!
Iga Swiatek, who’s also a big Taylor Swift fan, wrote, “So powerful and inspiring 💪🏼🔥,” describing just what almost everyone must’ve felt watching Simone Biles light up the floor. That said, don’t you think it’s heartwarming to see so many of Simone’s supporters cheering her on as she aims to become the first American female gymnast since Dominique Dawes to make three Olympic teams? Share your thoughts in the comments!