It’s been four years since Simone Biles stunned the world by pulling out of multiple events at the Olympics in Japan. Biles went into the Tokyo Games as perhaps the most famous active Olympian, having won four gold medals in Rio five years earlier. Yet the gymnast was unable to compete in multiple events due to her mental health, as she battled the “twisties.” The “twisties” are when gymnasts are hit with a mental block, comparable to the “yips” in other sports. “I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times,” admitted Biles during the Tokyo Games. “I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me, but damn, sometimes it’s hard.”
Biles still managed to win a bronze medal and a silver in Tokyo before her triumphant return in Paris last year. Biles was almost unstoppable in France, clinching three gold medals and a silver to become an 11-time Olympic medalist. Here, Mirror U.S. Sports takes a look at Biles’ sensational run in Paris in 11 photos…
A Journey From Heartbreak to Heroism
Simone Biles’ return to the Olympic stage isn’t just a sports comeback—it’s a soul-stirring story of resilience, courage, and redemption. Exactly three years after her shocking withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns, the GOAT of gymnastics came back stronger than ever, and we’ve got 11 breathtaking photos that capture every emotional twist of her comeback.
Let’s take a deep dive into how Simone Biles flipped the narrative—literally and figuratively—and made history again, one perfect landing at a time.
Why Her Return Matters More Than Any Medal
The Tokyo Withdrawal That Shocked the World
In July 2021, Simone Biles stunned the world—not with a gold medal, but with her decision to withdraw from multiple events due to a condition known as “the twisties.” It was a moment that redefined how we talk about mental health in elite sports.
Fast-Forward to Now: A Moment of Redemption
Three years later, on that exact anniversary, Biles made a triumphant Olympic return, reminding everyone that true strength isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance.
The 11 Photos That Tell a Thousand Stories
Let’s walk through the powerful visuals that mark Simone’s historic return.
1. The Look of Determination Before the Vault
With chalk-covered hands and laser-focused eyes, Simone stands poised before her vault run. No crowd could distract her—this was personal.
2. That Mid-Air Twist That Silenced Critics
Captured mid-flight, Simone’s twist was flawless—no sign of the “twisties” that haunted her in Tokyo. A literal defiance of gravity and doubt.
3. The Emotional Embrace with Her Coach
Tears, relief, and pride melted together in a hug with coach Laurent Landi. The emotion? Raw. The message? “We did it.”
4. A Smile That Spoke Volumes
This wasn’t just any smile. It was the kind you wear when you face your demons—and win.
5. The U.S. Team Rallying Around Her
Team USA wrapped Simone in a circle of support, showing what real team spirit looks like. Strength in numbers—and in sisterhood.
6. Her Signature Yurchenko Double Pike, Landed Like a Queen
Only Biles can do this vault. She didn’t just stick the landing—she owned it.
7. The Standing Ovation That Wouldn’t End
Fans and judges rose to their feet, clapping through tears. It wasn’t just appreciation—it was adoration.
8. The Golden Leotard That Symbolized Her Status
Shimmering under arena lights, her gold-accented leotard screamed confidence and dominance.
9. A High-Five with a Young Fan That Broke the Internet
One candid shot of Simone reaching out to a little girl in the stands? Instant viral moment. Representation matters.
10. The Medal Ceremony That Meant More Than Gold
Even if she hadn’t taken the top spot, the ceremony was a crowning moment of her legacy and resilience.
11. Her Final Salute—A Moment of Grace and Gratitude
With one hand over her heart and the other waving to the crowd, Simone gave a final salute that said: I’m still here.
What This Comeback Teaches Us About Mental Health in Sports
A Win for Every Athlete Who’s Struggled
Biles’ return isn’t just about gymnastics—it’s about validating the emotional toll of competition. She put mental health on the world stage and showed it deserves the same respect as physical injuries.
Rewriting the Narrative Around Quitting
When Simone withdrew in 2021, some called it quitting. But now, it’s clear: it was the ultimate act of strength. Quitting isn’t always giving up—sometimes, it’s stepping back so you can step forward stronger.
The GOAT Status Just Got Reinforced
She Didn’t Need to Come Back—But She Did
That’s what makes this return so iconic. Simone Biles had nothing to prove. She came back for herself—and ended up inspiring millions.
Breaking Records, Again
With this comeback, Biles set new records not just for gymnastics, but for the human spirit. She redefined what it means to be the Greatest of All Time.
Her Training Was Brutal—And Brilliant
Back to Basics, But with New Intent
Instead of chasing perfection, Biles focused on intentional practice. Her new training program emphasized mindfulness, recovery, and fun.
A Smarter, Not Harder Approach
She adapted. She adjusted. She listened to her body—and her mind. And guess what? It worked.
Social Media Reacts: “She’s a Warrior!”
From Twitter to TikTok, fans and fellow athletes lit up social media with praise.
“She’s not just back—she’s better.”
“Simone just redefined what strength looks like.”
“Goosebumps. Actual goosebumps.”
Timing Was Everything—The Anniversary Factor
Returning on the exact anniversary of her Tokyo withdrawal? That wasn’t coincidence—it was poetic justice. A full-circle moment that only someone like Simone Biles could pull off.
A Global Inspiration Beyond the Gym
Young Girls See a New Kind of Hero
Not just the girl who flies through the air, but the one who says, “It’s okay to not be okay.”
Changing the Sports Culture—One Flip at a Time
Biles’ comeback has forced sports organizations, fans, and media to reassess how they treat athletes as people first.
Key Takeaways from Simone’s Comeback
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You don’t owe anyone your struggle.
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Stepping away can be the strongest move.
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Redemption doesn’t have to be loud—it can be graceful, powerful, and photo-worthy.
Final Thoughts: More Than an Athlete, She’s a Movement
Simone Biles didn’t just return to gymnastics. She returned to herself. And in doing so, she gave the world something more valuable than a gold medal—hope.
Her story reminds us that the most beautiful comebacks are the ones that come from within. She faced pressure, pain, and public scrutiny—and turned it into poetry in motion.
