On Friday, Olympic legend Simone Biles took to her Instagram story to share two milestones. One was her being on the way to Louisville for the 151st Kentucky Derby, and the other was that she finally caught sight of her inaugural restaurant, Taste of Gold. The Kentucky Derby unfolds Saturday at Churchill Downs as a field of 19 3‑year‑old colts will chase the $5 million purse and the iconic garland of roses.
Standing before a mural of the American flag and the words “Coming Soon, Simone Biles, Taste of Gold,” she captioned the snapshot, “on my way to louisville for the kentucky derby… and I finally got to see my restaurant at the airport !!!!!!” Biles’ gymnastic resume needs little introduction. With 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds, and 30 World Championship medals (23 gold), she is the most decorated gymnast in history and a four‑time Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.
Last year, Biles was named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the year after winning three gold medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Off the mat, Biles is branching into hospitality with Taste of Gold, a Tex‑Mex restaurant set to open this year in IAH’s Terminal A near Gate A8. Partnering with The Playmakers Group and chef Mark Brezinski, the venue promises a “five-star experience” in a gold‑infused setting that nods to her Olympic record.
Simone Biles just lit up the internet with a major Friday announcement — and let’s just say, the world is buzzing! Whether you’re a die-hard gymnastics fan or just love a good comeback story, this is the news you’ve been waiting for. So what exactly did Simone Biles reveal? Let’s dive deep, break it all down, and explore the ripple effect of her game-changing declaration.
Who Is Simone Biles and Why Her Words Matter
A Living Legend in Gymnastics
Simone Biles isn’t just another gymnast — she’s the gymnast. With seven Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals, she’s officially the most decorated gymnast in history. Her name is practically synonymous with greatness.
More Than Just an Athlete
Aside from flipping, twisting, and flying through the air, Biles is also a mental health advocate, role model, and inspiration to millions. So, yeah — when she speaks, the world listens.
The Big Friday Reveal That Sent Shockwaves Online
The Moment the Internet Froze
At precisely 9:00 AM on Friday, Simone Biles took to her official Instagram and Twitter accounts to share a post that simply said:
“It’s time. I’m back. #Paris2024”
Boom. That’s it. No fluff, no hype — just three short sentences. But the implications? Massive.
What the Announcement Really Means
She’s officially returning to Olympic training for Paris 2024 — and fans everywhere are ecstatic. After stepping back during the Tokyo 2021 Games due to mental health concerns, many wondered if Biles would ever compete again.
Well, wonder no more.
Social Media Reactions — The Internet Explodes
Twitter Erupted Within Seconds
Fans, fellow athletes, and celebrities flooded Twitter with reactions. Hashtags like #SimoneBilesIsBack, #GOATReturns, and #ParisBound quickly trended worldwide.
Celebrities and Fellow Olympians Weigh In
From Serena Williams to Michael Phelps, stars shared their excitement. Even Olympic legend Nadia Comăneci tweeted, “Welcome back, champ!”
What Her Return Means for Team USA
A Potential Dream Team Lineup
With Simone back, Team USA’s gymnastics squad just got a major boost. Add in other rising stars like Sunisa Lee and Jade Carey, and the U.S. might be unstoppable in Paris.
More Than Just Medals
Her return isn’t just about winning gold — it’s about redemption, resilience, and rewriting the narrative on mental health in sports.
The Mental Health Message Behind the Move
Choosing to Heal — Then Soar
Remember Tokyo? When she withdrew from multiple events, many criticized her. But Biles stood firm, prioritizing her mental well-being over medals.
Now, her return shows strength not just in body — but in mind.
Advocating for Athletes’ Mental Health
By returning on her terms, Simone proves that athletes don’t owe us perfection — just their truth. And that’s powerful.
How She’s Preparing for Paris
Back to the Gym — But With Balance
Insiders report that Biles has quietly resumed training at her home gym in Texas. But this time, it’s different. There’s no pressure. No noise. Just focus.
Teaming Up With Her Trusted Coaches
Simone is working closely with her longtime coach Cecile Landi, keeping her support system strong and steady.
What Can Fans Expect Next?
Road to the Olympics — The Timeline
Expect to see her competing in smaller events throughout 2025, building momentum ahead of the Olympic Trials in 2026.
A Comeback Like No Other
Don’t call it a comeback — call it a revolution. Simone is setting the standard not just for gymnasts, but for athletes everywhere.
Why This Announcement Matters Beyond Sports
She’s Rewriting the Rulebook
From smashing records to smashing stigmas, Simone Biles is doing things her way — and changing the game in the process.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Kids everywhere are watching — and learning that strength means knowing when to step back and when to step up.
The Power of Simplicity in a Digital Age
One Post, Millions of Lives Touched
In an age of oversharing and overhyping, Biles’ short, sweet announcement was a masterclass in impactful communication.
The “Less Is More” Lesson
Sometimes, three words — “I’m back. #Paris2024” — say more than a whole press conference ever could.
What’s Next for Simone Biles (And the World Watching Her)
Eyes on Paris
With the Olympics just around the corner, fans are bracing for what could be Simone’s most iconic performance yet.
More Than Medals — A Movement
Her journey has become about more than gold. It’s about guts. About grit. About growing in public and owning your story.
Final Thoughts — Why We’re All Rooting for Simone
Simone Biles isn’t just back — she’s better. Stronger. Wiser. And she’s doing it for her, not just the world.
So whether she sticks the landing or not, she’s already won something bigger than any medal — our respect.
