In the aftermath of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Simone Biles, the iconic face of the U.S. Olympic team, found herself grappling with doubts about the continuation of her illustrious career. Forced to withdraw from the competition due to the challenging phenomenon known as the “twisties,” a condition affecting gymnasts mid-air, Biles inadvertently shifted the spotlight onto the crucial issue of mental health in the world of athletics.
“I truly didn’t believe I’d be back here competing at all,” expressed Biles, who was recently crowned the Associate Press Female Athlete of the Year, marking her triumphant return to the gymnastics arena.
A little over a year ago, Biles tentatively began her journey back to the gym, initially engaging in light workouts at her family’s World Champions Centre in Spring. “It was just playing around in the gym, trying to get fit again,” she reminisced. Following a brief hiatus, which included some work commitments and holiday celebrations, Biles began contemplating a return to competitive gymnastics.
The turning point came in March during a Tex-Mex dinner and margarita night with her coach, Cecile Landi. “When margs get in the mix, who knows what you’re going to say, so maybe the next day it was different,” Biles shared, reflecting on the informal but pivotal conversation.
After her wedding to Jonathan Owens in May, Biles shifted gears and adopted a more serious approach. “It was unspoken but like we knew,” she explained. “We’re going to take this pretty seriously. If I want a potential spot on making championships and worlds, we knew we had to buckle down and stop doing events and all of this stuff.”
Biles, at 26, made her triumphant return to competition in Chicago in June, showcasing a level of skill and finesse that suggested she had never been away. This was followed by a historic eighth U.S. national championship in July and a sixth world all-around gold in October, firmly re-establishing her dominance in the gymnastics world.
Reflecting on her journey, Biles remarked, “It still proves to myself and to other people that I can do it, so I’m proud of the work I’ve put in to get to this point. It’s just exciting that I keep kind of going up, up each and every year, so I’m excited for what’s to come.”
While Biles has not officially committed to the Paris Olympics, she hinted at a potential return with a newfound perspective. “I’m in a really good spot. Who knows? I’m not going to think so far ahead. It’s like when you get married, they ask when are you going to have a baby. We’re just trying to take it one step at a time, and we’ll see.”
Securing the AP honor for the third time, Biles now stands as the sixth woman to achieve this prestigious recognition. Having previously claimed the title in 2016 and 2019, Biles continues to inspire not only with her unparalleled athleticism but also with her resilience and dedication to overcoming challenges in the pursuit of excellence.
Photo Credit: GettyImages
Comments are closed.