Picture by 2024 Getty Images

Suni Lee: ‘I have goals and I have expectations for myself, but I also am trying to give myself grace’

It was the question that lingered ahead of Paris 2024: How would Simone Biles handle the Olympic stage again three years after Tokyo 2020 in 2021?

Just fine, it turned out. In fact, more than fine.

The 27-year-old led the American women back to the team title at the outset of the artistic gymnastics event before she captured a second individual all-around crowd, eight years after her first and gold on vault.

Biles’ third Olympics came to an end on Monday (5 August) with a silver medal on floor, runner-up to an inspired Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, who had pushed Biles to the brink in the all-around.

It marked the completion of one of the greatest bouncebacks in Olympic history – both figuratively and literally.

“I’ve accomplished way more than in my wildest dreams,” Biles told a packed press conference room. “Not just at this Olympics, but in the sport.”

“A couple years ago, I didn’t think I’d be back here at an Olympic Games,” she continued. “So competing and then walking away with four medals… I’m not mad about it. I’m pretty proud of myself.”

Cameras inside Bercy Arena even caught American football great Tom Brady with his hands clasped over his face seemingly in disbelief. Even if it was an opportune snap, the sentiment was certain: Greatness witnessing greatness – and in awe of it, too.

Brady was just one of countless celebrities to show up these Games to see Biles, including Serena Williams, Ariana Grande, Tom Cruise and many, many more.

Biles showed them all – and the rest of the Olympic audience – what gymnastics fans already knew: She was, indeed, back.

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