Simone Biles returns to the Olympics at Paris 2024 in gymnastics after addressing mental health concerns and returning to top form.
Biles, 27, exited the Tokyo Games in 2021 after performing a series of vaults well below her high standards, later explaining that she was suffering from the “twisties”, a daunting yet common mental block that many gymnasts face.
But Biles dominated the qualifying event on Sunday as she dazzled a star-studded crowd in Paris, setting the highest scores on the floor and vault routines despite competing with a heavily strapped ankle.
In a dramatic moment, Biles left the arena after appearing to tweak her leg. Her coach, Cecile Landi, said that while Biles’ injury is minor, it has been bothering her for a couple of weeks.
Biles will hope to add to her four Olympic gold medals with Team USA across a packed gymnastics schedule, with a huge audience eager to see her battle both the competition and herself on the biggest stage.
First, Team USA will look to reclaim the team final after missing out on gold three years ago. Then, Biles will go head to head with USA team-mate and defending Olympic champion Sunisa Lee, in the first all-around final to feature two former champions.
When is Biles competing?
In Paris, the women’s gymnastics will start on 28 July and conclude on 5 August. Biles has qualified for both team and individual all-around finals, as well as the four apparatus finals.
Tuesday 30 July - Women's team final:
The women's team final begins at 5:15pm BST (6:15pm CET and 12:15 ET).
Thursday 1 August - Women's all-around final:
The women's all-around final begins at 5:15pm BST (6:15pm CET and 12:15 ET).
Saturday 3 August - Women's vault final:
The women's vault final begins at begins at 3:20pm BST (4:20pm CET and 10:20am ET).
Sunday 4 August - Women's uneven bar final:
The women's uneven bars final begins at 2:40pm BST (3:40pm CET and 9:40am ET).
Monday 5 August - Women's balance beam finals:
The women's balance beam finals begins at 11:38am BST (12:38pm CET and 6:38am ET).
Monday 5 August - Women's floor exercise finals:
The women's floor exercise final begins at 1:23am BST (2:23pm CET and 8:23am ET).
How many Olympic medals has Biles won?
After making her Olympic debut at the Rio Games in 2016, Biles had already secured four gold medals and one bronze medal by the age of 19.
She now has a combined 37 world championship and Olympic medals and, with her third appearance at the Summer Games fast approaching, there is perhaps even more to come from one of America’s greatest athletes of all time.
