In a mere month, Simone Biles is set to debut in the 2024 gymnastics season and embark on her fourth Olympic quest. This news comes as Biles’ recent registration for the 2024 Core Hydration Classic from May 17–18, 2024, has gone viral. This return to the pinnacle stage comes after a tumultuous “Twisties” episode at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Biles withdrew from both the team final and women’s all-around events.
Despite these daunting challenges, her 2023 season witnessed a remarkable comeback, where she became the most decorated gymnast in history. As she journeys towards the Paris Olympics, an emotional ad featuring Biles by Powerade has resonated deeply, even bringing tears to her childhood best friend.
Simone Biles’ powerful journey since the Toyoko Olympics
In a heartfelt Instagram post from the World Champions Centre, an emotional ad featuring Simone and POWERADE was revealed. The video depicts Simone running towards the vault amid intense media scrutiny post-Tokyo withdrawal. With a reflective voiceover, Biles shares her journey, intertwined with flashes from her life, from enjoying pizza to cherished memories with her parents, and scenes like cutting her wedding cake with husband Jonathan Owens.
The visual also includes heartwarming moments with her fur babies, Rambo and Lilo, and shared meals with childhood friends, among others. As the video narrates her growth from childhood to adulthood, Simone affirms, “I still have to dig deep down and remember why I’m doing it. I’m doing it for the little girl.
It concludes with a touching moment at WCC, where her coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi, lift her from a foam pit. Simone returns to practice her vault again, symbolically skipping over a Powerade bottle, while a young girl at her gym looks at her in admiration, showing a full-circle moment. As we reflect on the powerful imagery portrayed, fans online embraced the video wholeheartedly, evoking heartfelt emotions, particularly Simone’s childhood best friend, who was moved to tears.
How her childhood friend was left in tears
In the comment section of the posts, countless fans and friends shared how deeply the video resonated with them. Among them was Simone Biles’s childhood best friend Rachel Roettger, who wrote, “WHY AM I SOBBING.” Rachel has remained a steadfast source of support and encouragement for Simone since their days at Bannon’s Gymnastics at age six. Their enduring connection, symbolized by Rachel’s role as Simone’s bridesmaid, has stood the test of time.
Even Jordan Chiles’ mother expressed her admiration, saying, “Not gonna lie…this was absolutely 🔥.” Reflecting on the ad, it becomes clear that Simone Biles’ return to the 2024 Olympics marks a profound full-circle moment from the challenges of Tokyo, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her path to Paris this year.
