Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Biles and Lee Lead Redemption Tour at Paris 2024 Olympics

Simone Biles and Suni Lee See Paris 2024 as a Redemption Tour.

Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and newcomer Hezly Rivera aim for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Biles is determined to rewrite her Olympics narrative. Teaming up with fellow 2020 Tokyo Games vets Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Suni Lee, plus newcomer Hezly Rivera and alternates Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong, Biles feels a sense of “deja vu” but also sees this as a “redemption tour.” Biles told Today’s Hoda Kotb on June 30, “In Tokyo, we didn’t perform our best, so we’re excited to excel this time.”

In Tokyo, Biles faced the “twisties,” causing her to withdraw from several events. “We won silver,” she told Kotb, “but we had obstacles to overcome. Now, we have more to give.” With three more years of practice, Biles believes their gymnastics has improved, stating, “We’re more mature and confident, and we’re excited.”

UCLA student Chiles left Tokyo with something to prove.

She described the Tokyo Games as tough but views Paris as a chance for redemption. “Struggles are struggles, but roads lead us forward,” she said. “Emotionally, I feel victorious and excited.”

Carey, who won gold in Tokyo’s individual floor exercise, values her return trip to the Olympics. “It means everything to me,” said the Oregon State gymnast. “We all seek redemption, and it’s incredible to enjoy gymnastics and have fun with these girls. I’m excited for Paris.”

Lee, the Tokyo all-around champion, faced uncertainty about defending her title due to kidney diseases. “It’s insane,” said the Auburn University student, reflecting on her journey. “I thought about quitting because I was so sick. But support from others motivated me to keep going.”

Unable to train, Lee experienced a mental spiral. “Gymnastics is my outlet,” she shared. “Not being able to practice was heartbreaking.” Recovering to compete in the U.S. Classic in May, Lee learned resilience. “Nothing will stop me,” she declared. “I lost faith but proved to myself I could do it again.”

Hoping to add to her medal collection, Lee emphasized, “Just making it to Paris is as special as winning gold.”

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