Simone Biles Skips Opening to Focus on Paris Olympics

TL;DR

Simone Biles, the celebrated American gymnast, chose not to attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, prioritizing rest before her competitions. With a strong support group, including her family and husband, Biles is set to compete in multiple events, potentially adding to her impressive medal tally. She also plans to debut a new skill on the uneven bars, aiming to have it named after her, which would make her the only active gymnast with a named move in all four events.

Simone Biles, a dominant figure in gymnastics, opted out of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony to conserve energy for her upcoming events. With several competitions lined up, including the team qualifiers and individual finals, Biles is not only focused on winning more medals but also on making history by introducing a new skill on the uneven bars. Her family and her husband, Jonathan Owens, are in Paris to support her, adding to the high expectations surrounding her performance.

Focusing on the Competition

Simone Biles' decision to skip the opening ceremony was strategic, allowing her to rest and prepare for the rigorous schedule of the Olympics. Her mother, Nellie Biles, confirmed that Simone is in good spirits and ready to compete. The gymnastics events will kick off with the women's qualifiers, where Biles will first showcase her skills. Her participation in the team events and several individual finals is highly anticipated, as she aims to add to her already illustrious Olympic medal collection.

A New Skill Awaits

Simone Biles is set to perform a groundbreaking new skill on the uneven bars, a clear hip circle forward with 1.5 turns. If successful, this skill will be named after her, making her the only active gymnast to have a named skill in all four events. This adds an exciting layer to her participation, as gymnastics enthusiasts and her fans eagerly await this historic attempt. The new skill underscores Biles' continuous push to elevate the sport and set new benchmarks.

Support from Family and Fans

The support for Simone Biles in Paris is strong, with her family and her husband, Jonathan Owens, cheering her on. Owens, excused from NFL training camp, expressed his admiration and nervous excitement for Biles' performances. The presence of her loved ones not only boosts Biles' morale but also highlights the personal sacrifices and support systems that underpin the successes of Olympic athletes. This familial support is crucial as Biles navigates the pressures and expectations of her likely final Olympic appearance.

Simone Biles' strategic decision to skip the Paris Olympics opening ceremony reflects her focus and determination to excel in the upcoming gymnastic events. With the support of her family and the anticipation of debuting a new skill, Biles is not just competing for medals but also for her place in gymnastics history. Her performances in Paris will be a significant highlight of this Olympic season, underscoring her status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

Notable Quotes

"She needs to rest up before that competition." - Nellie Biles

"I just think about, how did I get so lucky that this is my life and I get to see her, you know, just someone that's at the pinnacle of their sport and I get to call this my wife?" - Jonathan Owens

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