Simone Biles has soared to new heights over the past three years, making tremendous strides mentally, physically, and emotionally. As she gears up for the Paris Olympics, she’s leaving no stone unturned. While the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony saw numerous athletes and celebrities gracing the River Seine, Biles chose to skip the fanfare. Instead, she focused on intensive training and rest, preparing for the team qualifying events on Sunday, July 27th, as her mother revealed. Biles understands that keeping her eye on the prize is crucial, especially after everything she’s overcome since 2021. It’s clear she’s not about to let the shiny distractions of the festivities sideline her.

So, Simone Biles recently took to Threads to share a humorous take on her hectic schedule in Paris. She made a humble request by saying, “Don’t hit me with that ‘Hey, how’s Paris?’ GOODBYEEEEEEE.” It’s a witty way of acknowledging that, although she’s in one of the world’s most dazzling cities, she’s barely had time to see the sights. In her own words, she’s running on fumes, dedicating herself fully to her Olympic dreams. She’s determined to avoid a repeat of the situation she faced at the Tokyo Olympics.

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Simone Biles set her sights on six gold medals. Having previously dazzled with four golds in Rio -winning the all-around, vault, floor, and team events, expectations were sky high. However, the pressure at the Tokyo Games proved overwhelming. Biles struggled with the mental block known as the “twisties,” which led her to adjust her vault routine. Instead of attempting the Yurchenko with two and a half twists, she performed a simpler version with just one and a half twists and stumbled on the landing.

Her score of 13.766 points was a far cry from her usual stellar performances, highlighting her struggle with the twisties. Recognizing that she was not at her best, Biles made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition. However, this choice quickly drew a storm of criticism, as detractors began to weigh in on her decision.

This setback triggered a wave of harsh criticism, with some calling her “selfish” and “a shame to this country,” and even dubbing her “quitter of the year.” Despite her explanation about her mental health struggles, the backlash was intense. However, Biles didn’t let the criticism knock her off course. She took the bull by the horns, prioritizing her mental well-being, and made a powerful comeback in 2023. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear understanding of how to navigate her mental health, Biles is determined not to let past challenges throw her off track. And she is ready to make history again!

Can Simone Biles break all the records there is while prioritizing her mental health?

In Paris, Simone Biles could make history by setting several new records. With four Olympic gold medals already, she needs just two more to surpass Anton Heida’s record of five gold medals and become the most decorated American gymnast ever. If she wins even one medal, she will pass Shannon Miller’s record of seven medals, making her the most decorated American Olympic gymnast overall.

At 27, Biles could also become the oldest American female gymnast to win an Olympic gold, surpassing Aly Raisman’s record from 2016. If she wins five gold medals in Paris, she will break the record for the most gold medals by any female American athlete, proving she’s truly the best of the best. But this time it seems she has plenty of options left!

A few days back, U.S. gymnastics officials said they want to relieve the pressure on Simone Biles as she aims for six gold medals at the Paris Olympics. US women’s team technical leader Chellsie Memmel made it clear that Biles will not be expected to carry the team alone. She has the flexibility to skip any of the four events in the team final if she needs to.

Biles’ coach, Cecile Landi, discussed with the staff how to best support Biles, considering her past mental health issues. They agreed that Biles’ well-being comes first and she should have the option to adjust her participation as needed. Despite the high expectations, Biles looks confident in training two days back, impressing with her routines, and maintaining a supportive presence.

Biles is planning to add yet another milestone to her already impressive list of accomplishments. With five gymnastics elements named in her honor, the American star is now aiming to introduce a new skill at the Paris Olympics. On 25th June, she submitted a groundbreaking move on the uneven bars to the International Gymnastics Federation (IGF), making her one of just four female gymnasts with the chance to debut new elements in Paris.

This new skill – a clear hip circle forward with a 1.5-turn (or 540-degree pirouette) into a handstand takes on her supposedly “weakest” event, i/e, vault. It’s a variation of an element named for Canadian gymnast Wilhelm Weiler. The IGF notes that if Biles incorporates this move, it will probably kick off her uneven bars routine, where she typically starts with the Weiler, showcasing once again her knack for pushing boundaries and setting the bar higher.