“There were a lot of intense emotions that went with it,” says gymnastics superstar Simone Biles when recounting her triumphant return to the Olympic stage, just over a year ago at Paris 2024. “There was always a part of me that thought, ‘What if?’ And I think that was my anxiety talking. So if I could lower that voice, then I felt more comfortable competing.”
We all know what happened next: Biles scooped up a second individual all-around gold days after leading the U.S. to the Olympic team title. For this episode of the Olympics.com podcast, she speaks one-on-one with longtime gymnastics reporter Scott Bregman, sharing with him that, yes, she had dealt with cases of the twisties that haunted her at Tokyo 2020 in 2021 ahead of Paris. But she wasn’t going to let them get in her way, and cleared her path to success with consistent therapy and strict boundary-setting.
Scott also speaks with Tokyo champion Sunisa Lee, who had her own comeback story in Paris after battling a rare kidney disease that threatened to end her career. Host Nick McCarvel gets Scott’s perspective on the post-Paris lay of the land for American gymnastics, with the U.S. Gymnastics Championships set for 7-10 August in New Orleans.
Every once in a while, sports gifts us a story that transcends medals, scores, and podiums. Simone Biles’ journey to Paris 2024 was one of those stories. After facing unprecedented challenges during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she stormed back with a vengeance—this time not just to win but to reclaim her joy. Her own words sum it up best: “It was what I wanted.” This wasn’t just a competition; it was a rebirth of confidence, resilience, and unshakable determination.
The Road to Paris: A Journey of Redemption
From Tokyo Turmoil to Paris Triumph
In Tokyo, Biles faced a moment no one expected: stepping back from several events due to mental health struggles and the infamous “twisties.” That decision sparked global debate but also shined a light on the importance of mental well-being in sports. Fast forward to Paris 2024, and the narrative flipped. This wasn’t about proving critics wrong—it was about proving to herself that she still had it.
Why Paris Was Different
Unlike Tokyo, Paris wasn’t burdened with overwhelming external pressure. Biles entered the games with a different mindset—prioritizing her happiness and peace of mind. That shift made all the difference.
A Golden Return: Simone’s Paris 2024 Performances
Medals That Meant More Than Gold
Simone Biles didn’t just compete—she dominated. From her flawless floor routine to the gravity-defying vault, every move reminded the world why she’s the greatest gymnast of all time.
But beyond the medals, each performance was symbolic. Every landing, every smile, and every tear was a reminder: this comeback wasn’t about redemption for the world, but fulfillment for herself.
Breaking Records, Again
By Paris, Simone had already secured her legacy. Yet, she added more records to her name, reinforcing her position as a trailblazer in gymnastics history.
The Mental Battle Behind the Magic
Conquering the Fear Within
What most people don’t see is the invisible fight—the mental preparation that takes years of dedication. Overcoming the fear of failure and the pressure of expectation was perhaps Simone’s greatest victory.
The Power of Mental Health Advocacy
By openly discussing her struggles, Simone redefined strength in sports. She showed that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s courage. Her Paris comeback wasn’t just about flips and twists—it was about resilience, balance, and self-acceptance.
“It Was What I Wanted”: The Meaning Behind Her Words
When Biles said, “It was what I wanted,” she wasn’t talking about gold medals. She was talking about peace of mind, closure, and the joy of competing on her own terms.
That simple phrase carried weight—it symbolized liberation from the noise of critics and the freedom to write her own ending.
The Global Reaction: Fans and Fellow Athletes Celebrate
A Story That Inspired Millions
From social media tributes to heartfelt interviews, the world celebrated Biles’ Paris comeback. Fans saw her not only as a champion in gymnastics but as a champion of mental health and perseverance.
Respect from Fellow Athletes
Legends from across sports praised her resilience. They knew the pressure, and they knew how rare it was to bounce back at the highest level. Simone’s story resonated far beyond gymnastics mats.
The Legacy of Simone Biles
Redefining What Greatness Means
Simone’s legacy isn’t only in her medal count. It’s in how she redefined the meaning of greatness—not just about winning but about staying true to yourself.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Her Paris 2024 journey sparked hope for young athletes everywhere. The lesson? It’s okay to step back, regroup, and come back stronger. Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be legendary.
The Human Side of a Superstar
For all her records and accolades, Simone Biles remains deeply human. She laughs, cries, struggles, and triumphs—just like the rest of us. That’s why her Paris 2024 story touched hearts worldwide. She reminded us that even the greatest fall, but what matters most is how they rise again.
Conclusion: A Legacy Sealed in Paris
Simone Biles’ Paris 2024 comeback was more than a sporting event; it was a cultural reset. She didn’t just flip and fly—she redefined resilience and mental strength. Her words, “It was what I wanted,” captured the essence of her journey: this time, victory wasn’t about the world. It was about her. Simone Biles reminded us all that the greatest victories are often the most personal.
