Rebeca Andrade’s recent heartfelt declaration, “I’m so proud to know that I can continue her legacy,” was an echo of the reverberation that once rippled through the Sportpaleis arena in Antwerp, Belgium. Reminiscing about the sentiment of a sport in transition, Andrade’s 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships bore witness not only to Simone Biles’ spectacular return but also to a symbolic gesture that ignited discussions of a metaphorical changing of the guard.

The iconic moment that ignited this narrative came during the 2023 World Championships, the year when Biles solidified her resurgent dominance in the sport. In a spontaneous display of admiration and respect, Biles placed an imaginary crown on Andrade’s head. This gesture, captured in countless photographs, transcended the mere act of sportsmanship. It was a poignant acknowledgment of Andrade’s ascent within the gymnastics hierarchy and a testament to Biles’ magnanimous spirit. Andrade herself, in a candid moment of reflection, revealed the deeper meaning behind this act of sportsmanship.

In a recent interview with Brazilian Marie Claire, Andrade elaborated on the significance of the gesture, saying, “I saw it as something genuine, spontaneous, to recognize the position she has in gymnastics in the world… It was a huge honor to have her competing again, happily. It was incredible energy, one of the best competitions of my entire career.” Yet, to fully grasp the weight of this moment, one must revisit the extraordinary journey that led Simone Biles back to the pinnacle of her sport.

Simone’s 2023 season was nothing short of a phoenix rising from the ashes. It began with a triumphant return at the Core Hydration Classic in August, where she claimed first place in the all-around, floor routine, and balance beam, and third on the uneven bars. Her scores—14.0 on uneven bars, 14.8 on balance beam, 14.9 in floor exercise, and a baffling 15.4 in vault—stunned the audience in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, breaking a 90-year-old record for most U.S. all-around crowns previously held by Alfred Jochim.

The crowd of nearly 12,000 rose in a standing ovation as she walked off the floor, a testament to the enduring respect and admiration she commands—a respect that echoed the anticipation for Simone Biles’ return to the global stage.

This triumph was a precursor to her dominant performance at that year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where she collected four golds (team, all-around, balance beam, floor exercise) and a silver (vault). These victories, achieved with a tally of 58.399 across all apparatus, elevated her career world and Olympic medal tally to an unprecedented 34—surpassing Belarusian Vitaly Scherbo’s record of 33 world and Olympic golds. But these victories were merely a prelude to a statement that would reverberate far beyond the scoreboard.

Simon Biles’ words of resilience were a remnant of her meteoric rise from the ashes

“I had to prove to myself that I could still get out here, twist, I could prove all the haters wrong, that I’m not a quitter,” Biles stated emphatically, encapsulating the drive that fueled her comeback. Her words resonated not only with the gymnastics community but with anyone who has faced adversity and fought to overcome it. The world might have witnessed her physical prowess, but it was her words that revealed the unyielding spirit that truly set her apart.

In the wake of her awe-inspiring performance, the Associated Press crowned Simone Biles the 2023 Female Athlete of the Year, a fitting tribute to a woman who redefined the boundaries of her sport. Yet, the narrative was not solely about Biles’ individual achievements. Andrade’s silver medals in the all-around and floor exercise, along with her bronze on the balance beam, signaled the emergence of a worthy contender.

“We had Rebeca on every single podium with me, so I feel like we give each other the best push that we can to bring out the best athletes,” Biles acknowledged, emphasizing the mutual respect and competitive spirit that characterized their relationship.

As the gymnastics world looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the narrative is poised to evolve further. Will Rebeca Andrade, the reigning Olympic vault champion, truly inherit Simone Biles’ mantle? Can the two athletes continue to elevate each other’s performances, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport? These are the questions that will fuel the anticipation for the next chapter in this thrilling saga.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics just over two weeks away, the excitement is palpable as the world eagerly awaits to see the best athletes compete across more than 30 disciplines. This unique experience, which happens only once every four years, is a culmination of nearly a lifetime of preparation for many athletes. For those who are not exceptionally young or extraordinary, the chances of returning to the Olympics are slim.

One of the sports where younger athletes often shine is gymnastics. In the Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team finished third behind China and Russia, but they were the most successful nation in Rio 2016. The stars of the U.S. team are undoubtedly Simone Biles (27), who is the oldest U.S. gymnast to compete in the Olympics in 72 years, and Sunisa Lee (21). Both were bested in the trials in Minnesota by an impressive performance from 16-year-old Hezly Rivera, who excelled across two balance beam routines, outscoring both Biles and Lee and tying for the top score with Joscelyn Roberson.

With Tokyo veterans Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles (23), and Jade Carey (24) still in top form, a fifth spot seemed highly unlikely for Rivera. However, after injuries to Olympic contenders Shilese Jones, Kayla DiCello, and Skye Blakely at the trials, Rivera seized her Paris opportunity and performed exceptionally all weekend. The nerves will surely be present for Rivera, but the support from her family, coaches, and teammates will be crucial for her to channel her energy effectively.

Looking ahead, with the next Olympics being held in Los Angeles 2028, Rivera could have the chance to represent the U.S. women’s gymnastics team again at just 20 years old. Even if she doesn’t win an individual medal in Paris, it doesn’t mean she can’t achieve great things in the future. Michael Phelps, who is considered by many to be the greatest athlete of all time, did not win any medals at 15 years old in Sydney 2000, but we all know what happened in the years that followed.

Finally, a word on Simone Biles. While every medal won in the olympics is historic-she has seven-this time, if she secures two more, she will tie the legendary Nadia Comneci with nine and place herself in fifth position in the all-time rankings. Four more medals would bring her total to 11, matching Czechoslovakia’s Vera Cáslavská, but still far from Larisa Latynina’s 18, achieved between 1956 and 1964. Each Olympic Games bring unparalleled excitement, and this year will be no exception. As we count down the days to the opening ceremony in Paris, the world awaits the thrill and spectacle of the Olympics, ready to witness history in the making once again.

GK Elite and USA Gymnastics have unveiled the highly anticipated leotards and apparel that will adorn American gymnasts at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

This is the first time the USA Gymnastics Olympic attire has been introduced ahead of the Games.

US Gymnastics uniforms inspired by Hollywood glamour

The collection, designed by GK Elite, aims to blend classic American patriotism with old Hollywood glamour while incorporating elements of sophisticated Parisian fashion.

Each garment, meticulously crafted at Elite Sportswear’s headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania, promises to offer both comfort and peak performance for the athletes.

One of the standout features of the women’s leotards is the meticulous detailing, which includes over 47,000 thousandSwarovski crystals.

These crystals not only add a sparkling elegance but also underscore the dedication to craftsmanship that GK Elite is renowned for.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with USA Gymnastics and unveil our extraordinary designs for the gymnasts representing our country at the Olympics,” said Matt Cowan, CEO of Elite Sportswear, L.P.

“GK has a decorated history as the world’s leading apparel provider for competitive gymnasts, and we take pride in having our brand worn on the sport’s biggest stage.”

In addition to the competition attire, GK Elite is offering a limited production of officially licensed replica leotards and men’s shirts, available for fans to purchase.

This allows supporters across the country to show their pride and support for the US athletes as they compete in Paris.

The unveiling of these uniforms not only showcases innovation in design and production but also underscores the commitment of both GK Elite and USA Gymnastics to excellence in gymnastics.

With the addition of Swarovski crystals and pearls as a nod to Paris, the stage is set for American gymnasts to shine brightly in every competition.

Full Paris 2024 teams for US Gymnastics

The United States qualified full teams in the men and women categories thanks to their results in the last gymnastics world championships.

Here is the full list of athletes representing US Gymnastics at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games:

• Asher Hong
• Paul Juda
• Brody Malone
• Stephen Nedoroscik
• Frederick Richard

Women

• Simone Biles
• Jade Carey
• Jordan Chiles
• Suni Lee
• Hezly Rivera

With the 2024 Paris Olympics just around the corner, there is a lot of focus on the quality of Simone Biles as a gymnast and as an ambassador for the United States of America.

America will be one of the nations competing to win the Olympics in France and the medals that Biles and her teammates can pick up in the gymnastics will be a huge part of any overall national success.

LeBron sings Biles’ praises

Simone Biles and LeBron James lead the list of athletes likely competing at their final Olympics.

Add in that Andy Murray will be retiring after the Paris Games and that Rafael Nadal may bid goodbye to tennis, too, and the stage is set for some emotional, high-profile goodbyes.

Here’s a look at some of the top competitors expected to say “adieu” to the Olympics – or their sport in general – in the French capital:

Simone Biles

At 27, Biles is the oldest American woman to make an Olympic gymnastics team since the 1950s. Having returned from a two-year break last summer, Biles can add to her career haul of seven Olympic medals – four of them gold – when she competes at the Bercy Arena.

LeBron James

At 39, James is about to become the first U.S. men’s basketball player to compete at the Olympics in three different decades. To get an idea of what stage he’s at in his career, consider this: When James and the U.S. team opened their Olympic training camp in Las Vegas, his son, Bronny, was making his pro debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in the California Classic summer league.

Murray’s goodbye to Wimbledon didn’t go the way he had hoped. The British player is hoping for a better result in the Olympic tennis competition on the red clay of Roland Garros, home of the French Open. Paris will mark Murray’s fifth Olympics, having won back-to-back singles golds in 2012 and 2016. While Murray has indicated that he plans to end his career after the Olympics, Nadal’s status is less clear. But playing the Olympics at the site where he won 14 French Opens – and where there’s a statue of him outside Court Philippe Chatrier – will be special no matter what Nadal does next. Nadal has won Olympic gold in both singles (in 2008) and doubles (in 2016) and will team up with Carlos Alcaraz for doubles in Paris.

Shelly-Anne Fraser Pryce

Jamaican sprinter Fraser-Pryce has announced that the Paris Games will be her fifth and final Olympics. The 37-year-old Fraser-Pryce, who has won eight Olympic medals, wants to spend more time with her husband and 6-year-old son, Zyon. Fraser-Pryce will run against Sha’Carri Richardson in the 100 meters.

Sarah Sjöström

At age 30, Swedish swimming standout Sjöström will be competing in her fifth Olympics. A winner of four medals at the Olympics, Sjöström is focusing on one individual event for Paris. She’ll race the 50-meter freestyle – an event she holds the world record in – plus three relays. Sjöström made her Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008 at the age of 14.

Tom Daley

Daley was Britain’s youngest athlete in 2008 at 14. Three years ago in Tokyo he won his first Olympic gold with partner Matty Lee in 10-meter synchronized and now he’s back for a fifth Olympics. Daley drew attention for knitting between dives in Tokyo as a way of relaxing.

Mikkel Hansen

With his shoulder-length hair and headband, the powerful left back Hansen is one of the most familiar faces in Danish sports. A three-time men’s world player of the year, a record he shares with longtime rival Nikola Karabati, Hansen is considered one of the best handball players ever. He led Denmark to gold in Rio and then silver in Tokyo.

The French heavyweight judoka Riner is one of host France’s top medal hopes. He’s looking to add to his haul of five Olympic medals, including three gold. He’s also won a record 11 golds at worlds.

Jonathan Owens, the NFL safety who recently signed a two-year, $4.75 million contract with the Chicago Bears, has addressed the backlash he received for comments made about his now-wife, Simone Biles, during a podcast appearance six months ago. Biles, who is widely considered the greatest gymnast in American history, married Owens in April 2023.

In a podcast interview on “The Pivot,” Owens mentioned that he didn’t know who Biles was when they first connected on the dating app Raya and suggested that he was “the catch” in their relationship. These remarks sparked significant criticism online. On July 8, Owens publicly responded to the backlash for the first time.

“Our biggest thing is, we know that those people don’t know us at all,” Owens stated. “I can’t let someone else’s opinion dictate how I feel about myself or our relationship.”

Owens highlighted the importance of ignoring external noise and focusing on their personal lives. “Everyone has an opinion, but we do a good job of tuning it out,” he explained. “Sometimes, though, you need to set the record straight and let people know they’ve got it wrong.”

He expressed his frustration with the public scrutiny, saying, “It’s a no-win situation. Whether you speak up or stay silent, people will always have something to say. So, you have to live your life on your own terms.”

Owens was shocked by the amount of backlash

Owens, 28, was surprised by the volume of negative feedback following the podcast release. At the time, he chose to keep his social media notifications off.

“I was with my mom and Simone when the comments started rolling in,” he said. “I let them handle it while I stayed off social media. But if things get out of hand, that’s when I feel the need to step in and address it.”

Despite the criticism, Owens emphasized that he and Biles remain strong and united. “People don’t see the full picture of our relationship,” he said. “As long as we stay connected and our bond remains strong, nothing can break us.”

Simone Biles’ prowess in touching heights has no limit. In her 11-year tenure being the elite gymnast, the 27-year-old has earned four Olympic golds and numerous global titles. If that falls short of judging her reach, then Simone Biles is on her way to adding another feather to her crown. In the Paris Olympics, she will be the oldest female US gymnast to participate in the last 72 years. Now, when she is on the brink of reaching such a high, ironically in her gymnastics schedules as well, she pulled off an unthinkable show of defying gravity.

As per the data, in the recently concluded Olympic trials, Simone Biles jumped a humongous 12 feet of height. And that level can take a serious fight with some factors from other sports.

Simone Biles’ limit starts where everyone stops

The mammoth 12-foot jump occurred when Simone Biles was performing her floor exercise routine in the trials. The jump, a treat to watch, was followed by her third rotation in the air using her unique skill. She landed flawlessly, without any stumble or unsteady legs. This exercise earned her the best score of the evening, but the height demonstrated that Simone Biles could jump over the tallest NBA player, Victor Wembanyama, without breaking a sweat. Notably, “Wemby the Alien” stands 7’4″ tall, while Simone Biles achieved this impressive height despite being only 4’8″. The surprise doesn’t end there, as Simone’s jump could challenge the best high jump ever performed.

According to data from World Athletics, the current women’s high jump world record stands at 2.09 meters, achieved by Stefka Kostadinova in 1987. However, that record seems dwarfed compared to Simone’s jump of 12 feet (3.65 meters). Additionally, the World Indoor Championship record of 2.05 meters in the same division might feel similarly overshadowed when compared to Simone’s massive jump. Could this open a gate for the legendary gymnast in the high jump sport? Well, Simone could likely make the transition without a hassle.

The world-leading high jump this season, at 2.04 meters, also falls short in comparison to Simone Biles’ otherworldly performance. If she considers earning an Olympic qualification in the high jump with such a measurement, it seems possible empirically. However, would that be feasible according to the rules of the high jump?

The techniques may be variant in each case

No, Simone Biles might not clear the benchmarks. This could be one of the rare moments when the legend might face a failure in a sport despite literally breaking the world record. There are two main factors separating the high jump and the somersault in gymnastics. The high jump’s steadfast rules clearly prohibit jumping with two feet on the ground and using a springboard. Both of these techniques are quite common in gymnastics.

Somersaults in gymnastics result from jumping with both feet, as the momentum comes from applying force on the mat with both feet. This force propels the gymnast into the air with significant effect. In contrast, in the high jump, the resultant force is not as high because the athlete pushes off from the ground with one foot, leading to a lower push-off.

Another factor is the presence of the mat. In gymnastics, the mats are far more flexible. In contrast, the high jump field is much stiffer compared to the spongy mat. Consequently, the reactive force is less potent in the high jump compared to that on the gymnastics mat. Considering these points, Simone Biles’s jumps during her floor exercise will not be considered by the authorities. However, change is always possible, and Simone Biles is known for achieving memorable feats. Isn’t she?

Simone Biles wowed the crowd at the U.S. Olympic trials Friday with her jaw-dropping execution of a vault that carries her name.

Simone Biles is going back to the Olympics. One of the United States‘ finest athletes, Biles will head to Paris this month after qualifying for the Olympic Games for a third time — but the weekend’s qualifying in Minneapolis was not easy for the 27-year-old.

Biles, who is married to Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, had some fierce criticism for Minneapolis’ Target Center, where the Olympic trials took place. Biles’ frustration will not have gone unnoticed by USA Gymnastics, the nation’s governing body for the sport, but it remains to be seen if the organization will implement changes.

Biles sounds off on arena temps

Biles took to Threads to reveal her dislike of the cold temperature inside Target Center, despite the summer heat and humidity just outside. She wrote that she is “tired” of trying to perform in “cold a** arenas” and would like better conditions in which to perform.

This is not the first time Biles has complained about cold weather or chilly conditions. When her husband played for the Green Bay Packers, Biles often braved frigid weather in Wisconsin to watch Owens — who will keep on playing in cold weather in 2024 as a member of the Bears.

Still, Biles is professional enough — and obviously talented enough — to perform at a high level and put herself in a position to add to her silverware collection in Paris. She is one gymnastics medal away from breaking a tie with Shannon Miller for the most by a U.S.-born gymnast.