The Paris Games will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in Simone Biles’ Olympic journey. While it may not have been her most medal-laden performance—she secured four golds and a bronze in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games compared to the three golds and one silver she earned in Paris—the significance of her return to the Olympic stage following the highly publicized events of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 cannot be overstated.
In Tokyo, Biles made headlines when she withdrew from several events after experiencing the “twisties,” a disorienting phenomenon where gymnasts lose their sense of coordination while in mid-air. This issue is often linked to psychological factors, leading Biles to prioritize her mental health and step away from the competition. Her decision sparked widespread discussions about mental health in sports and left many wondering about her future in gymnastics.
Fast forward three years, and Biles made a triumphant return at the Paris Olympics, demonstrating to the world—and perhaps most importantly to herself—that she remains the best gymnast in the sport. Her performance in Paris was a testament to her resilience and determination, proving that she could overcome adversity and continue to excel at the highest level.
For Biles, Paris will always hold a special place in her heart. She recently shared an emotional reflection on Instagram, expressing that she is still processing the 2024 Olympics experience. Interestingly, the photos she chose to post were from the individual floor final, where she earned a silver medal behind Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. Despite having the option to highlight any of her three gold medal victories—the team final, the all-around final, or the vault final—she chose to share moments from her silver medal performance instead.
Unsurprisingly, her post quickly gained traction, amassing over 1.1 million views in less than 24 hours. Like Biles, her fans are also finding it difficult to move on from the unforgettable moments of the Paris Olympics.
