Simone Biles has come a long way from her humble beginnings in a Houston suburb. She’s reached stratospheric heights to become the most decorated American gymnast in history today. The 2020–21 Tokyo Olympics, despite her incredible achievement, proved to be a turning point in her career after her withdrawal from many gymnastics events. Post a two-year break, Biles returned as the oldest female gymnast from the United States, ending the year with an unparalleled 37 medals from Olympics and World Championships.

As she prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Biles shared some lesser-known facts from her withdrawal in Tokyo, with her closest friend disclosing touchy moments post Tokyo Olympics. The friend in question comes in clutch and has us all rethinking our bonds forged.

Simone Biles’ friend is indeed a watchful mother

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Biles’s best friend Rachel Roettger, who shared the same gymnastics outhouse as hers at 6, stated their conversation after the Tokyo Olympics. Everyone was taken aback when the seven-time Olympic medalist withdrew from many events, citing mental health issues or the twisties after the US team’s all-around final qualification. Concern inundating her, Roettger texted Biles, ‘Hey, what is going on? Are you okay?’

She added, “I thought she was hurt because there’s no way she should have landed like that. She texted me like, ‘I’m not hurt, but I’m just going through some things.’” Post the team final’s first rotation, she “got so lost [her] safety was at risk as well as a team medal.” For the week, Biles trained at Juntendo University’s gym to exercise in peace without having to worry about the harsh limelight.

Recognized for her resilience, Biles put her own health before the opinions of others when the criticism grew. She endured harsh criticism for being called a “quitter,” in addition to unwarranted pressure as the veteran. Biles received widespread praise and was credited with starting a larger conversation about the importance of mental health in athletics.

She won a bronze medal in the balance beam, which she considered her most meaningful one. Just like her last Olympics win, the Games journey has been an inspirational one for the gymnast.

The rise of a young prodigy

What began as an interest in trying out gymnastics in college evolved into a quest for greatness in the biggest stage in the world. It all transpired after she watched America’s top gymnasts perform at the London 2012 Olympics. Biles’s 2013 World Championship christened her as first African American gymnast to win the all-around championship.

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Later, she broke the American record for women’s gymnastics with her debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She won four gold medals and one bronze. Followed by team silver and BB bronze in the Tokyo Olympics. The gymnastics community is energized for Biles to write yet another chapter in her legendary story. She prepares for her third Games appearance in a few months.

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