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Georgia hires one of Simone Biles’ coaches to lead women’s gymnastics team

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Simone Biles

One of Simone Biles’ coaches is going to college.

Cecile Landi is one of the new head coaches of Georgia’s women’s gymnastics team, the school announced Thursday night. Landi, who along with husband Laurent has coached Biles since 2018, will join the GymDogs after the Paris Olympics.

Landi will be co-head coach with Ryan Roberts, a Georgia assistant the last two seasons. Landi and Roberts previously worked together at WOGA in Texas.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to be the new co-head coach of the GymDogs with Ryan. I am looking forward to work with team in the near future!” Landi said in the statement announcing her and Roberts’ hiring.

Landi’s husband will stay at World Champions Centre for the next year, while their daughter finishes high school. Juliette Landi, a diver, has already committed to Auburn.

“It was a family decision, not an easy one but one that we all agreed on and are ready to take on!” Landi said on X. “Then she’ll move to Auburn for diving, he’ll join me in Athens and decide what he will want to do next!”

Landi also said she and her husband will help find new coaches for the elite program at WCC, which is owned by Biles’ parents. Under the Landis, the gym has become a national powerhouse. In addition to Biles, Tokyo Olympian Jordan Chiles and Joscelyn Roberson, a member of last year’s world championships team, train there.

In a statement on Twitter, Biles’ mother Nellie said Landi has “left an indelible mark” at WCC.

“Her departure will certainly be felt, but her legacy will forever shape the foundation of World Champions Centre,” Nellie Biles wrote.

Landi and her husband are both French, and Cecile Landi represented France at the 1996 Olympics. They rose to prominence as coaches of Madison Kocian, who won a title on uneven bars at the 2015 world championships and helped the U.S. women win team gold at the Rio Olympics the following year.

When the Biles family opened WCC, they hired the Landis to lead the elite team and they became Simone Biles’ coaches when she returned to training in 2018. With the Landis, Biles has won three more all-around titles at the world championships and last year became the most decorated gymnast, male or female, with 37 medals at the world championships and Olympics.

Simone Biles is particularly close with Cecile Landi, and has praised her for helping her get through “the twisties” that forced her to withdraw during the team competition at the Tokyo Olympics. Biles was able to return for the balance beam final, where she won a bronze medal.

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“I Was Abused”: Teary Simone Biles’ Heroic Larry Nassar Confession Saluted Amidst $139 Million Gymnastics Payout

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Three years ago, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, known as one of the world’s most exceptional gymnasts, bravely revealed her harrowing experience of s****l abuse by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. As she puts it, “Enough is enough”. Her emotional disclosure brought tears as she recounted the trauma she endured. Biles not only held the gymnastics organization accountable but also criticized federal law enforcement for neglecting to address the crimes, which left hundreds of young athletes vulnerable.

Since that distressing revelation, time has passed, and there have been significant developments. Recently, on April 23rd of this year, the Department of Justice made a noteworthy announcement. They disclosed that they would provide nearly $139 million in compensation to survivors of Larry Nassar’s s**ual abuse. This substantial settlement arises from the FBI’s mishandling of the initial allegations. But all this was possible when Simone Biles courageously stepped forward, alongside others, to bravely share her experience of abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar.

Simone Biles reveals startling truth behind abuse scandal

Simone Biles delivered an opening statement, asserting her belief that the mistreatment she endured occurred due to the systemic failures of organizations mandated by Congress to safeguard athletes–namely, the USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. As she said, ” I was abused by their official team doctor long before I was ever made aware of their knowledge.” Expressing her profound concern, Biles emphasized, “I don’t want another young gymnast, or Olympic athlete, or any individual to experience the horror that I and hundreds of others have endured before, during and continuing to this day in the wake of the Larry Nassar abuse,” her voice reflecting palpable emotion.

Delivered to the Senate Judiciary Committee, her testimony comes in the wake of a damning Justice Department inspector general report from July of that year (2021), shedding light on the FBI’s mishandling of the Nassar case. The report uncovered a severe oversight: despite initial reports of sexual assault in 2015 at Michigan State University, a high school, and a gymnastics club. But Nassar continued to have access to vulnerable gymnasts until September 2016.

Deeply troubled by the findings of the report, Biles asserted, “We suffered and continue to suffer because no one at FBI, USAG or the USOPC did what was necessary to protect us,” stressing the urgent need for accountability. She underscored the imperative of holding those complicit in enabling Nassar accountable, affirming her conviction that, without repercussions, such egregious misconduct will persist across Olympic sports, perpetuating harm to future generations. But the abuse wasn’t isolated to Simone Biles alone.

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Despite Strained Relationship, Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles Are on a Similar Journey With Their Struggles

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Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles‘ rivalry has stood the test of time, literally and figuratively. They were also incidentally a part of the same doyen of the Final Five in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and were kindred spirits on the mats and off it as well. But what stoked the flame of their rivalry harkens back to when Douglas let slip a comment about s*exual assault faced by gymnastics buddy Aly Raisman that provoked the ire of compatriot Simone Biles.

Though Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles have buried the hatchet and have made amends with each other post that incident and with Paris being the singular goal for them, they are also two peas in a pod. Underscored by mental health struggles and whatnot, what did the Team USA duo go through?

 Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas – a tumultuous journey of odds

Gabby Douglas made history as the first Black American gymnast to win Olympic all-around gold, the first from Team USA to secure gold in both individual and team events, winning three Olympic golds overall. She was also the 2012 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. She announced her comeback to gymnastics last July. Now aiming for the 2024 Olympics; a year later, interest in her return is still high, having been away for eight years from professional competition.

Douglas shared with EBONY over Zoom. The journey of these eight years wasn’t that easy—she took a break so that she could focus on her mental health. Douglas said, “I took a break from 2016 until 2022 and after watching a good friend competing, I just missed it, I had a rough go at the 2016 Olympics, but I never wanted to end my career on a bad note.” She expressed that she never wanted to develop a dislike for something she loved, so she knew she wanted to get back at it. Douglas mentioned she was back, taking small steps but expressed excitement about getting back into it, with the mats beckoning her name.

Simone Biles competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but withdrew during the vault event due to the “twisties”. She made sacrifices, and that paid off, as she earned four medals at the event, with four of them being gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She’s expected to compete in the Paris Olympics for Team USA. Gabby Douglas, the first US gymnast to win all-around and team titles at the 2012 London Olympics, and a three-time Olympic champion, is making a comeback after eight years, aiming for the Paris Olympics. There is so much more in the offing for these two. Is it just Paris or does it go beyond yonder?

The formidable duo have more to them than meets the eye

After a two-year hiatus, Biles returned in August 2023, proving her readiness for the 2024 Olympics with her sixth individual world title in Belgium and her eighth national all-around individual title. She also amazed the world with her Yurchenko double pike vault, now known as Biles II. During a 2023 appearance on the TODAY show, the seven-time Olympic medalist mentioned, “That’s the path that I would love to go.” Biles mentioned in an interview with CNBC that she had been focusing on personal development, continuing weekly therapy sessions, and felt thrilled to regain the confidence she had before.

Meanwhile, Douglas, the 2015 World all-around silver medalist, missed last month’s Winter Cup due to COVID-19 but is now concentrating on the upcoming international games, as per a representative speaking to Inside Gymnastics. Douglas has also prioritized her physical well-being through cryotherapy, acupuncture, and icing, which have been crucial for her health this season. She also partnered with Dr. Scholl’s as their latest celebrity ambassador. Fans are eagerly anticipating the comebacks of both Biles and Douglas at the Paris Olympics in 2024, eager to see them prove once again that they are among the best in the world.

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“Throw That Medal”: Simone Biles’ Past Shame Haunted Her Tokyo Olympics Third Place

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The weight of expectations at the Olympics is staggering, especially for renowned athletes like Simone Biles. Yet, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics described a pivotal moment for Biles, thrusting her into a sphere of challenges previously uncharted. Despite clinching the bronze in the balance beam event, she now confesses, that it felt akin to “gold” amidst the tumultuous circumstances she was going through at that time.

Throughout that week, Biles grappled with unforeseen hurdles, notably struggling with her routine due to an inability to execute twists. Yet, the aftermath saw her withdrawal from the event, due to “twisties.” Biles recently disclosed in a podcast by “Call Her Daddy” that the specter of her past Olympics haunted her, leaving her feeling “ashamed” after she secured a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics.

Simone Biles’ shocking revelations post-Rio Olympics slip

Biles clinched four golds and one bronze during her breakthrough performance at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Amidst her stellar achievements, disappointment loomed over her beam routine, where the then-19-year-old encountered a memorable slip, resorting to grabbing the beam with her hands to maintain balance (a move that incurred a significant point deduction). Despite the stumble, Biles completed the routine and secured a bronze. While she found contentment in her accomplishment but still she faced a moment of public scrutiny.

In an interview with host Alex Cooper, Simone Biles candidly addressed the aftermath of her beam performance at the Rio Olympics. Reflecting on the moment, she recounted the public reaction to her bronze medal, revealing the weight of disappointment she endured. Despite acknowledging her mistake during the routine, Biles faced harsh criticism, with some suggesting, “throw that metal away. You should have got a gold“

She further added, “I was scarred from having a bronze medal because I never really talked about my bronze because people made me so ashamed of it in Rio.” she continued,” And so whenever I got that bronze, you couldn’t tell me that it was a bronze. It felt like a gold to me.” Despite the haunting memory, she persevered until finally withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics. However, she made a comeback in 2023 but did she claim the spotlight?

Simone Biles soars- Nominated for Laureus 2024 Awards!

Now that it’s the Paris Olympics year 2024, Simone has even been nominated for the Laureus 2024 Awards, which is the highest honor in sports. This recognition comes as no surprise, given the awe-inspiring journey of her comeback. Following a two-year hiatus, Biles returned to the spotlight with resounding triumphs.

In September 2023, she clinched gold medals in both the floor exercise and balance beam events, further solidifying her legacy with an astounding total of 23 world titles.  Her exceptional performance in the high-stakes beam final, characterized by flawless execution and precision, culminated in a remarkable score, showing her unmatched skill on the global stage.

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Weeping Alone, Simone Biles Narrates an Untold Reality of Post Tokyo Olympics Trauma: “Nobody Knew”

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Simone Biles

Simone Biles‘ withdrawal from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to the Twisties was a defining moment, one she seeks redemption from as she aims for her fourth Olympics run in Paris. The fear of twisting and lack of spatial awareness that came with the Twisties made Simone want “to sulk in my feelings and to be by myself.”

But her celebrity status as a gymnastics icon and seven-time Olympic medalist made this emotional release impossible. As she boarded the plane back to America, her responsibilities as a sports icon had to be fulfilled, concealing an untold reality of post-Tokyo Olympics trauma behind her smiling demeanor, a reality that “nobody knew.”

How Simone Biles had to live a double life with her emotions

During her interview on the ‘Call Her Daddy‘ podcast, Alex Cooper asked Simone Biles, “So when did you break down?” Simone revealed that it was when she finally unpacked her suitcase and went on her famous Gold Over America Tour across the country. She described the tour as a beautiful experience, filled with the joy of meeting her fans and being part of a brilliant production.

However, behind the scenes, she was grappling with the traumas of the Twisties and began seeking therapy to cope. Simone explained, “I can’t recall what time our show started, but say it started at seven; I would be in therapy from like 4:30 to 6. And then I would give myself an hour to get ready.” She candidly shared moments when Jordan Chiles would walk into her room and find her “bawling my eyes out trying to put on my makeup because I’m talking to my therapist about the Olympic experience.”

Yet, once she was composed and ready to be on stage, she wore the brightest smile for her audience. She expressed, “I will cherish every stop and every show that we got to put on. Totally. But behind the scenes, nobody knew.” Simone Biles revealed how, upon landing in America, she was physically exhausted and eager to return home to Houston, but that plan was thwarted.

Her commitment as a sports icon after the 2021 Tokyo Twisties

After the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, when Simone Biles and the Team USA women landed in America, Simone shared how, despite wanting to return home to Houston, Texas, they were required to go to New York for appearances on shows like the Today Show. She described putting on a brave smile, but all she truly wanted was to hug her mom and cry. She said that as she landed in Houston and hugged her mom, but there were cameras at the gate so she could not even break down at the airport.

However, upon reaching home, her family surprised her with a parade and urged her to get ready to parade through the neighborhood. She recalled, “Like, get your convertible. Smile and wave. I just wanted to have like a breakdown.” Reflecting on this moment of anguish, it’s important to acknowledge the hardships faced by even our sports icons as humans. As Simone continues her healing, fans eagerly await her return in the Olympic year 2024 as she redeems herself from this experience.

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United States to pay Simone Biles ‘a millionaire’s payout’

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The US Justice Department announced on Tuesday that it has finalized a 138.7 million-dollar settlement to address 139 claims from victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.

In a statement, the Justice Department clarified that these settlements pertain to administrative claims against the United States due to the FBI’s inadequate investigation of Nassar‘s misconduct.

Larry Nassar, who served as the USA Gymnastics team physician for 18 years and also worked at the University of Michigan, committed sexual abuse over nearly two decades until his arrest in 2016, under the pretext of medical treatments.

The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General released a report in July 2021 criticizing the FBI’s handling of the allegations against Nassar.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer condemned Nassar‘s actions.

“For decades, Lawrence Nassar abused his position, betraying the trust of those under his care and supervision, and evading accountability,” Mizer declared.

Mizer emphasized that the allegations should have been taken seriously from the outset.

“While these settlements cannot fully repair the harm caused by Nassar, our hope is that they will offer critical support to the victims as they continue on their path of healing.”

Biles was one of a number of victims who will receive payments

Notable victims of Nassar’s abuse include renowned athletes such as Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Sabrina Vega, Ashton Locklear, Kyla Ross, and Alyssa Baumann.

In 2017, Nassar pleaded guilty to abusing 10 of the more than 265 athletes who reported abuse.

Michigan State University, where Nassar worked at a clinic, had previously agreed in 2018 to a 500-million-dollar settlement for women and girls who reported sexual abuse.

Furthermore, the USA Gymnastics federation and the US Olympic and Paralympic committees reached a 380-million-dollar settlement with Nassar’s victims in 2021.

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Will Terence Crawford fighting Israil Madrimov mark the end of an era?

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Terence Crawford

Under the harsh glow of the unforgiving sport that is boxing, Terence Crawford, once revered as the master of evasion with legs that danced like lightning across the canvas, finds himself teetering on the brink of his career’s twilight. With 40 wins, 31 by knockout, Crawford, at 36, faces the daunting challenge ofIsrail Madrimov, a young lion whose power is whispered about with a mixture of awe and fear in the hallowed halls of gyms across the nation.

Madrimov, wielding a force akin to Golovkin, brings a terrifying arsenal to the 154-lb division, perhaps even eclipsing the ferocity found at 168, a realm dominated by names like Canelo Alvarez. It’s this power that makes him not just a threat but perhaps the harbinger of the end for Crawford, who now seems to anchor his fading quicksilver footwork in waist-deep quicksand rather than the nimble ballet that once defined him. Gone are the days when Crawford could outmaneuver; now, he finds himself in the perilous position of having to outpunch those who stand before him. His recent fights, more slugfest than symphony, reflect a stark pivot from artistry to survival.

The road leading here has been paved with strategically chosen battles against opponents like Errol Spence Jr., still tethered to the shadows of a devastating car crash, and Shawn Porter, whose best days whispered of past glories. Each, in their own right, perhaps not the challenge that Madrimov now presents. Madrimov, at 29, fresh from a chilling fifth-round demolition of Magomed Kurbanov, represents not just a challenge but a potentially insurmountable obstacle for the aging Crawford.

Terence Crawford faces more than just Israil Madrimov

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Rivals Simone Biles and Shilese Jones Pose Together For Gold Over America Promo

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Simone Biles

The Gold Over America Tour is making a comeback after a thrilling start in 2021. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles will once again headline the tournament, inspiring future generations of gymnasts. Last month, Jonathan Owens‘ wife shared her excitement about assisting new members and now the renowned gymnast is taking time off to support the Gold Over America Tour.

Biles has her plates full with the Paris Olympics only a few months away. On top of that, Simone Biles also is spending considerable time with Owens after the football safety’s move to Chicago. However, that isn’t deterring Biles from making use of her elite status for aspiring athletes.

Simone Biles has the spotlight on her once again

In a recent Instagram post by the official Gold Over America Tour account, Biles can be seen appearing for a promo shoot for the upcoming September event. “Happy Monday! It’s time to embrace all the moments this week can bring, how are you motivating and making the most of it?!“, reads the caption of the post as it looks to provide all the motivation to gymnastics fans and others alike to help them through the week that’s about to come.

Biles can be surrounded by the likes of her best friend Jordan Chiles and arch-rival Shilese Jones. The two world champions both pose beside Simone while the latter looks unable to contain her excitement of being part of and the face of the tour one more time. French gymnast Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos also can be standing close to Biles.

The larger-than-life GOAT sign on the back of the congregation almost highlights the talent that’s on the floor and underscores what they bring to the table. As Biles attempts to make Gold Over America a success one more time, she continues to stand beside other stars from the country even when their fate doesn’t help them out.

Simone Biles continues to rally behind her colleagues

This year’s NCAA Gymnastics Final was wrought with mistakes and missteps that made many fans complain that the national tournament was losing its integrity and quality. In response, Biles took to social media to lash back at the mocking comments to make fans understand that not every day will see the gymnasts at their best. She reminded everyone that even the country’s best gymnasts are human and they are likely to falter at times, even if they are considered to be perfect by their loyal fans. On the other hand, only last week, Biles celebrated Jordan Chiles’ 23rd birthday, and the two besties might be celebrating the monumental occasion behind the scenes even at the Gold Over America promo shoots.

In recent weeks, Chicago Bears’ latest signing Jonathan Owens also has been finding a lot of time with Biles after distance was driving a wedge in their meetups. After got sorted after he moved away from Green Bay. Now, as Biles eyes a spot in the national team at the Olympics Team Trials, it waits to be seen if the prospect of being part of the pan-American tour injects any extra boost to her motivations.

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“He Like Got in My Face”: Simone Biles First Encounter With a Boy Turned Into a Freak Show

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Growing up Simone Biles had no idea that her nervousness about starting gymnastics practice as the eldest in the room would never stop her from making history. Newbie to the athletic limelight, Biles starred in a few reality shows but never ventured into the territory that many girls her age took interest in—boys.

She is now happily married to NFL safety Jonathan Owens after three years of dating and two weddings last year. In a recent podcast, spilling some beans about her personal life, Biles recalled her first interaction with a boy as a terrible moment in her life.

Simone Biles’s embarrassing tale

Biles has dedicated over two decades to gymnastics and is the most decorated gymnast in the world, but she has had a difficult time working closely with a man outside of the sport. Simone Biles revealed a few undisclosed details about her early childhood during her most recent appearance on Alex Cooper’s podcast “Call Her Daddy“.

When Cooper inquired about typical teen experiences or prom, Biles responded, “The first time I danced with a boy was on Dancing With the Stars was Sasha and it was after the Olympics. I was like 19 years old. I remember he like got in my face, grabbed me and I was like, ah. Like freaking out.”

The Olympic medalist appeared on Dancing With the Stars season 24 in 2017, partnering with professional dancer Sasha Farber for nine weeks. They performed a variety of traditional dance genres, including Foxtrot, Tango, and Rumba, as well as freestyle and contemporary before ending their journey in top-4.]

Back then, Biles summed up her experience saying, “I’ve never danced in heels, never danced with a guy, so I feel like I’ve won a lot. I’ve won a friendship for life [with Farber]. I’ve been non-stop since the Olympics. I’ll have a week off.” Simone Biles and Sasha reunited ahead of the Tokyo Olympics where they worked to choreograph her floor routine.

Biles began to take more control over her routines and artistic choices than she had earlier in her gymnastics career at the time. Though he’s unquestionably the expert, she shared her thoughts on certain actions and even pushed back in some instances saying she knows herself “better than anybody.” Not too much time went by before the gymnastics star had her romantic encounters.

How gymnastics master manifested her romantic journey

During Dancing With the Stars, Simone told Entertainment Tonight—“I have never had a boyfriend in my life…at 20 years old I feel like you should have gone through those things and gone on dates. I have been on like, maybe one proper date.” Things have changed since then, and Simone Biles has had two publicly talked-about relationships.

Simone met fellow gymnast and her first boyfriend Stacey Ervin Jr. in August 2014, but they didn’t start dating until after her Dancing With the Stars appearance. The couple dated for over three years before splitting in March 2020. However, it wasn’t long before Simone found her soulmate. Biles met then-Houston Texans player Jonathan Owens and married him on April 22 last year, following three years of dating. Her story is rocky at times, but it just highlights her true nature.

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“Broke My Leg”: Simone Biles Nearly Faked Injury Due To Saddening Reason Before Tokyo Olympics

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As the countdown to Paris draws closer, the limelight on Simone Biles’ previous outing is shining brighter. It is no secret that Biles pulled out of five events from the Tokyo Olympics. Amidst the scathing criticisms, Biles explained how difficult it was for her to fathom the situation. According to the US gymnast, one cannot particularly make out whether one has twisties or not. It is right at the moment when an athlete is in the air, the confusion regarding the positioning of land and air sets in.

Biles then went on to say that she went through such a phase in literally all the events. Surely, such a mental obstacle can definitely lead to severe injuries. And Biles almost faked breaking her ankle while trying to push through her pains.

Simone Biles reminisces about faking near fatal Tokyo experience

Biles recently appeared on the ‘CallHerDaddy’ podcast where she was asked about her experience with twisties. Narrating a near-fatal incident, Biles recalled when she decided to ignore her mental issues. Speaking about the same, Biles stated that just before the start of an event, she realized having a problem. However, for the sake of her team, Biles went ahead and attempted a two-and-a-half. This was a dangerous attempt because Biles did not warm up four days prior to the event.

While trying to push through her issues, Biles did take the leap of faith and it backfired. Once in the air, Biles lost all her reasoning of space and matter. This was something that she failed to make her coaches fathom. Thus, in order to safeguard her career, Biles faked an injury scare. She said, “And at that point at I came out about it, they’re like, she doesn’t wanna lose. And I was like, first of all, I almost broke my leg, but it’s thankfully I didn’t break my leg.” Thankfully, Biles came out safe, but she was frustrated with the fact that her coaches could not understand her situation.

Immediately after her event, Biles had a conversation with her manager and decided to pull out of the event. However, with great grit and determination, Biles fought her way back to the pinnacle of the gymnastics mountain.

Biles’ recovery and Paris dreams unfurled

Post her Olympic fiasco, Biles resorted to Junetendo University in Japan for help. An elaborate personalized training regime helped her significantly. Under the watchful eyes of coach Wataru Kawai, Biles slowly recovered and got her mental health back to normal. A major part of her rehabilitation included keeping away from the media and critics.

As of 2024, Simone Biles is all set to kick things off next month. Starting with the US Classics, Biles will be looking to put on a blemish-free performance on her road to Paris. And while she does so, her fans would be praying for Biles to add some more Olympic golds to her already bejeweled crown.

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