Now that the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are behind us, American gymnast Simone Biles is looking forward to finishing the competition.
Biles, 27, withdrew from the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo due to mental health issues. He attempted to return three years later in the French capital.
Although her venture was successful, with three golds and one silver, Biles admitted she was human and felt nervous when she stepped onto the mat. She also spoke candidly about the relief she felt after her final event.
“When I came in, I wasn’t that nervous,” she said Olympic Games.com. When I come out, it’s like a breath of fresh air. I feel so much better now that it’s over, because you know how stressful it is.
“So I couldn’t wait to get done,” Biles continued. “But I still tried to cherish every moment along the way.”
Simone Biles Admitted She Couldn’t Wait for the Olympics to Be Over
Biles competed in Paris after withdrawing from the competition in Tokyo
Additionally, Biles noted that attending therapy was a major factor in her performing well and finding balance inside and outside of gymnastics.
“A lot of it comes from therapy, making sure I’m physically and mentally healthy,” Biles said. “I think that’s where I get my strength from now. I think that goes for the competition floor as well.”
Biles led a young team and won gold in the Individual All-Around, Team All-Around and Vault events. She also won silver in Floor.
Despite being the most decorated gymnast at the Olympics, she admitted it had its challenges and explained the difference between team and individual competitions.
“The girls, they could tell you,” Biles said. “We were a lot more nervous for all-around than we were for team. Team, we were so calm and collected and we had a great time. And then I think reality set in and it was like, ‘Oh, this is all-around, this is pretty big.’
“I felt pretty good during the warm-up, but not as good as I do for teams. I really had to calm my nerves and make sure I was in a good frame of mind before I went out there.
I didn’t have the best [bar] routine. I had to reorient and re-center myself so I could have a good rest of the race. But it was crazy. The nerves were there and obvious.’
Biles won three gold and one silver medal, becoming the most decorated Olympic gymnast
The Americans took gold in the All-Around Team Competition
Biles’ husband Jonathan Owens, mother Nellie and father Ron cheered her on in Paris
Additionally, Biles gave credit to her support system and their presence in Paris. In addition to her supportive parents, Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, was in the stands, counting the numbers and cheering loudly for his wife.
This came in especially handy when she dropped to third place after a failed bars routine.
“I didn’t even see it. I had to look up at Jonathan and think, ‘Where am I?'”
“I’ve never been in a situation like that before. So I just had to go there, pay attention to my cues, think about what my therapist has told me if I ever feel anxious.”
Still, Biles’ run in Paris was one to remember. She’s already been hailed as the GOAT, but her athletic future remains uncertain, as the next Olympics are being held on American soil in Los Angeles.
“When it’s all said and done, it’s a lot of weight off my shoulders,” Biles said. “I feel so much better now that it’s done, because we know how hard it is. Especially to accomplish something that big. And to do it again, it was a great accomplishment.”
“Just to make it to the all-around final and then come home with a gold medal. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I did it,’ but I still can’t believe it.”