In a world where every flip and twist is scrutinized, Simone Biles has decided she's done being judged – by anyone but herself.
Three years after a stunning withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics due to a mental block, the gymnastics phenom is back on the world stage. This time, she's armed with a defiant attitude and a razor-sharp sense of where she is in the air.
At 27, Biles stands as the most decorated gymnast in history, with an astounding 37 world and Olympic medals. Her gravity-defying routines have transformed the sport, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the mat, beam, and bars. But the road to Paris 2024 hasn't been smooth.
In Tokyo, the world watched as Biles, battling the dreaded "twisties" – a gymnast's vertigo that leaves them disoriented mid-air – stepped away from competition. The decision sparked both support and cruel backlash. Critics called her a quitter, failing to see the courage it took to prioritize her safety and mental health.
Many wondered if we'd ever see Biles compete again. But after a two-year break, she set her sights on Paris, leaving the gymnastics world buzzing with anticipation.
As Biles entered the Bercy Arena, the crowd erupted in cheers. A-list celebrities dotted the stands, and millions watched worldwide. The question on everyone's mind: Could she reclaim her crown?
The answer came swiftly and decisively.
Biles delivered an acrobatic beam routine that left spectators in awe. She followed it with an energetic floor performance, showcasing one of the five skills named after her. Then came the vault – the big Biles II – executed with her trademark power and precision.
It wasn't all smooth sailing. Biles required ankle strapping before her floor routine and seemed to limp slightly afterward. But true to her indomitable spirit, she pressed on, topping the all-around qualifying standings with three sub-divisions still to go.
When her bars dismount marked the end of her day's work, the joy that swept across her face was unmistakable. As she waved to the adoring crowd and hugged her teammates, it was clear: Simone Biles was back, and better than ever.
The path from Tokyo to Paris has been paved with therapy sessions, moments of doubt, and a gradual return to the gym. Biles found strength in her support system – her family, her husband NFL player Jonathan Owens, and her teammates.
Step by step, flip by flip, she rebuilt her confidence. At the 2023 World Championships, Biles didn't just return – she dominated, claiming her sixth world title and leading Team USA to gold.
But Biles' impact extends far beyond her medal count. She's become a mentor to younger gymnasts, offering encouragement and sharing hard-earned wisdom. "She's the face of everything good that's happening in gymnastics," says teammate Shilese Jones.
Biles has also used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and speak out against abuse in the sport. Her openness about her own struggles has made her relatable to fans and fellow athletes alike.
As the Olympics unfold, Biles is performing what her coaches call the best gymnastics of her life. But she's quick to point out that healing – both mental and physical – doesn't happen overnight.
To manage the pressure, she relies on therapy, breathing exercises, and visualization techniques. Her family is in the stands this time, a comforting presence as she takes on her final Olympic challenge.
Whatever happens in Paris, Biles has already rewritten the narrative of what it means to be a champion. She's shown that true strength lies not just in perfecting routines, but in being human, vulnerable, and unafraid to put herself first.
As she soars through the air in Paris, Simone Biles isn't just competing for medals. She's reaching for something far more valuable – the freedom to define success on her own terms, and inspiring millions in the process.
* BBC Sports and the New York Times contributed to this article.