Key Takeaways:
– Simone Biles made a historic win at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is now the most decorated American Olympic gymnast.
– Simone Biles’ performance has been regarded as a significant comeback after withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to a condition she dubbed ‘the twisties’.
– Comments from JD Vance, the former Vice President in 2024, deriding Biles’ withdrawal in 2020 re-emerge.
– Fans robustly defended Biles’ decision and critiqued Vance’s ignorance on the nature of Biles’ mental health struggle.
– Despite past criticism, Biles states that her return to gymnastics was primarily for personal satisfaction.
Simone Biles Takes Olympic Gymnastics to New Heights
American gymnast Simone Biles has created history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With her latest victorious performance, Biles won her an eighth gold medal, making her the most decorated American Olympic gymnast ever. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting her compete in the Women’s Individual All-Around competition, where she is heavily favored to clinch another gold.
The Resurgence of Past Comments
Simone Biles’ triumphant comeback has drawn the spotlight back on comments made by Ohio Senator JD Vance during Biles’ struggling period in the Tokyo Olympics. Vance, who was Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election, labeled Biles’ withdrawal from competition as ‘odd’. She had left the Team Finals during 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to ‘the twisties’, a dangerous mental condition affecting spatial awareness during high-level performances.
During a 2021 Fox News interview, Vance criticized what he saw as the media’s exaggerated praise of Biles’ withdrawal decision. He believed the applauding responses reflected poorly on society’s treatment of moments considered weak rather than brave.
Fan Defense Against Critique
Upon the re-emergence of these past statement, fans came to the gymnast’s defense. Many argued that Vance didn’t understand the severe risk associated with the condition that Biles was contending with when she withdrew from the competition, accusing him of neglecting the physical danger she faced.
One user commented, “Never let this weirdo convince you that lifting people up when they’re at a low point is a bad thing,” while congratulating Biles on her 2024 gold medal. Another fan argued that while Biles is the greatest gymnast of all time, Vance is just a peculiar person, known best for generating memes.
Biles’ Return to the Sport
The documentary series, ‘Simone Biles Rising,’ on Netflix highlighted her journey. Biles stated that her comeback was for herself. She had a preceding fear of regret if she didn’t at least attempt another Olympic cycle. Despite all the fear she has experienced from the sport, she reiterated that she didn’t want to allow it to seize her ultimate achievement.
In Conclusion
Biles’s story shows her triumphant return despite previously withdrawing due to mental health issues. Her ability to listen to her body and mind, acknowledging the need for a break, shows resilience and courage that inspires many. Her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics not only made her the most highly decorated American Olympic gymnast but also validated her decision of withdrawal in Tokyo, silencing critics like Vance. Biles serves as a reminder that mental health takes precedence and doesn’t equate to weakness.