Photo Credit: Getty Images
As the world watched the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold along the Seine, one notable face was absent from Team USA's delegation – gymnastics superstar Simone Biles. The 27-year-old four-time Olympic gold medalist opted to sit out the festivities, a decision her parents were quick to explain.
Speaking to NBC News' Hoda Kotb, Simone's mother Nellie Biles shed light on her daughter's absence. "The first competition is Sunday, which is a women's qualifier, and, of course, she needs to rest up before that competition," Nellie stated. The U.S. women's gymnastics team is set to compete in a qualifying event on Sunday, July 28, just two days after the opening ceremony.
This isn't the first time Biles has skipped the Olympic opener. At the Tokyo Games in 2021, she and her teammates also chose to focus on preparation rather than participate in the ceremony. A spokesperson told The New York Times at the time that the group was "focused on preparation" for their upcoming qualifying round.
Biles' decision to prioritize rest and training over the ceremony highlights the intense pressure and focus required at the highest levels of competitive gymnastics. The athlete took to her Instagram Stories to share that she plans to watch a recap of the ceremony during primetime coverage on NBC, demonstrating her continued support for Team USA despite her physical absence.
The 2024 Paris Olympics mark Biles' third Olympic appearance, following her performances in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021. Her journey to Paris has been closely watched, especially after her withdrawal from several events in Tokyo due to a condition known as the "twisties" – a mental block that affects a gymnast's spatial awareness during complex moves.
In preparation for Paris, Biles has been diligent about her mental and physical health. "I am doing therapy weekly to keep everything in tune so that I feel comfortable and confident enough to be competing," she told ELLE magazine earlier this month. "It's been a crucial part of my training regimen."
As the oldest member of the U.S. women's gymnastics team at 27, Biles is slated to compete in a full range of events in Paris. Her recent performance during podium training on Thursday, July 25, where she successfully landed a Yurchenko double pike vault – also known as the "Biles II" – has already generated buzz among gymnastics fans and experts alike.
With the women's qualifying event just around the corner, all eyes will be on Biles as she aims to add to her impressive medal count and further cement her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
