Simone Biles Easily Wins Her Ninth Country Title.
Before the Olympics, Simone Biles used to like being blind and find beauty in it. She used to love not knowing what she didn't know.
It was eight years in the past. When she was still a teenager, that is. Still a little "ditzy."
It was eight years in the past. When she was still a teenager, that is. Still a little "ditzy."
Those are the distant memories. The proof may be seen not just on Biles' marriage license and driver's license, but also in her ability to look beyond herself at the age of 27. Most outstanding athletes have lost their tunnel vision in their quest for excellence.
Perhaps this is the most significant distinction between the national title the gymnastics great earned on Sunday night (her ninth overall with a score of 119.750) and the one she won more than ten years prior.
Biles' triumph was decided by a stroll rather than a twist, spin, or leap.
It started early when Biles saw her friend and 2020 Olympic champion Sunisa Lee twist clumsily in the air during her vault and land on her back, her face displaying a mixture of panic and amazement.
It started early when Biles saw her friend and 2020 Olympic champion Sunisa Lee twist clumsily in the air during her vault and land on her back, her face displaying a mixture of panic and amazement.
Lee remarked, "I was kind of thinking that this was over."
Then, without warning, Biles was at her side. More than anybody else, she knew exactly where Lee was at that very time.
Then, without warning, Biles was at her side. More than anybody else, she knew exactly where Lee was at that very time.
A similar mishandled vault by Biles at the Tokyo Games three years prior set off a series of events that resulted in her pulling out of many contests and bringing attention to the significance of mental health.
Biles left her teammates at the World Champions Center and watched Lee, who has had renal problems for the most of the previous two years, which have caused her weight to fluctuate and hindered her training, attempt to compose herself. Biles provided Lee with the same level of support that she sorely needed back in Japan.
Biles left her teammates at the World Champions Center and watched Lee, who has had renal problems for the most of the previous two years, which have caused her weight to fluctuate and hindered her training, attempt to compose herself. Biles provided Lee with the same level of support that she sorely needed back in Japan.
Biles remarked, "I am aware of how traumatic it can be, particularly on a large platform like this." And we simply went and spoke about it because I didn't want her to get inside her brain.
Retiring off the court, Biles gave Lee the reassurance that she "could do hard things" during their conversation.
When they got back, Biles was standing at the uneven bars, encouraging Lee as she came back with an incredible, although slightly diluted, routine that earned her a 14.500 and helped her wrap up a strong fourth place finish.
Retiring off the court, Biles gave Lee the reassurance that she "could do hard things" during their conversation.
When they got back, Biles was standing at the uneven bars, encouraging Lee as she came back with an incredible, although slightly diluted, routine that earned her a 14.500 and helped her wrap up a strong fourth place finish.
Lee remarked, "I knew I was going through a difficult moment, and she was just there to help lift me up."
At this point in her extraordinary career, Biles's enjoyment in the sport isn't only dependent on how well she performs.
She made the joke that she thought she was "aging like fine wine," but it's interesting that she kept her greatest smile for her five colleagues from World Champions Center, most of whom are ten years younger than her, when she mentioned them when they spoke about their upcoming participation in the Olympics in Minneapolis later this month.
I think they have a long future ahead of them, which is kind of what thrills me," Biles remarked. "Therefore, I will help them in any way I can, both now and in the future."
It's how she returns the favor. She is attempting to serve as a role model for others by demonstrating how to handle the strain that comes with being in the limelight, knowing full well that she will be in Paris. She is resolved to concentrate on the things under her control and has made treatment a regular habit, even during meet weeks.
It's how she returns the favor. She is attempting to serve as a role model for others by demonstrating how to handle the strain that comes with being in the limelight, knowing full well that she will be in Paris. She is resolved to concentrate on the things under her control and has made treatment a regular habit, even during meet weeks.
For example, her gymnastics.
