American Simone Biles said winning the Olympic all-around title in artistic gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Games “means a lot” after struggling with mental health issues at Tokyo 2020. She also praised her competitors.
“Personally, tonight means the world to me and that’s crazy” commented the gymnast, who repeated the individual all-around gold she won in Rio 2016, totalling nine Olympic medals, six of them gold.
At the Bercy Arena, Simone Biles scored 59.131 points, ahead of Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade (57.932), another silver medallist after Tokyo 2020, and her compatriot Sunisa Lee (56.465), who was defending her Olympic title.
“I never thought I would compete again because of everything that happened. But with the help of coaches Cécile and Laurent Landi, I went back to the gym and worked hard, mentally and physically”, explained Biles.
At Tokyo 2020, Biles withdrew from several events due to mental health issues, speaking on the subject, a struggle she considers just as difficult, if not worse, than any physical injury.
“In Tokyo, I was so nervous about injuring myself physically that I neglected my mental health, which led to a mental injury. And that was more difficult than a physical injury”, she said.
Biles said she attends therapy “religiously” and is supported whenever necessary, stressing her pride in her progress and growth.
She also praised her opponents, in particular Rebeca Andrade, who won the silver medal.
“I don’t want to compete against Rebeca any more, I’m tired. She’s always so close to me, I’ve never had a competitor so close to me. She brings out the best in me. I’m excited and proud to compete with her, but I don’t like the feeling of nervousness”, Biles said with a smile, as Rebeca was present in the room.