Olympic Games: Simone Biles in ‘really good spot’ after Paris 2024 success - ‘Doing this for just me meant the world’

Simone Biles is in "a really good spot" both physically and mentally after claiming four more Olympic medals at the 2024 Paris Games. Biles had a tough time at the delayed Games in Tokyo three years ago, where she withdrew due to 'the twisties'. After taking a break to protect her mental health, Biles told CNN Sports that retuning to the Olympic scene "meant the world" personally.

‘The best one yet!’ – Biles continues glorious Games with third gold

Video credit: TNT Sports

Simone Biles added four Olympic medals to her illustrious haul during a much-improved Paris Games in comparison to her Tokyo 2020 experience.

The seven-time gold medallist struggled with 'the twisties' during the delayed Games in Japan three years ago, a mental block Biles described as feeling “lost in the air” when performing a twisting move.

Biles still picked up silver and bronze medals in Tokyo, before the problem forced her to withdraw from the Games and take a break from gymnastics to protect her mental health.

Olympic Games Paris 2024

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But now the American superstar – who is now the nation’s leading Olympic medal holder in gymnastics with 11 – is in a “really good spot” following her Parisian experience.

“It was important to me because nobody forced me to be out there on that stage,” she told CNN Sports of her highly-anticipated Olympic return.

“I solely did it for myself and I’m in a really good spot mentally and physically. So doing this for just me meant the world.”

'She is so, so good' - Wilson on incredible rivalry between Andrade and Biles

Video credit: TNT Sports

Although Biles had a hugely successful Games in France – winning three gold medals and a silver – doubts still manage to creep into the 27-year-old’s head.

However, therapy has made a huge difference for Biles, who tries “to stay as positive as possible” during her routines.

“I dealt with them in therapy,” she said. “Obviously you always have those thoughts coming into the back of your head, but just trying to stay as positive as possible, going back to what I know, thinking about my therapy tactics – and it worked.”

‘You win with grace, you lose with grace’

During her interview with CNN, Biles was wearing a protective boot on her left foot after suffering a fall during the warm-up before the floor final.

She had her leg taped for her performance after aggravating a calf injury in the early stages of the Games, which continued to cause her trouble.

Seeking her fourth medal of the Games, Biles narrowly came second to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade to claim the silver medal in the floor final, with American team-mate Jordan Chiles taking the bronze.

During the medal ceremony, Biles and Chiles created an iconic image, kneeling down on either side of gold medalist Andrade in recognition of her incredible performance.