Before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris ever began, Biles was the most decorated gymnast in history. She smiled as she became the third woman to win the Olympic all-around title twice.
In one of the closest finishes Biles has ever seen at a significant international competition, her final score of 59.131 was just over a point higher than that of Rebeca Andrade of Brazil (57.932).
However, it was sufficient for the 27-year-old to secure her second gold medal at the Olympics in Paris and her sixth gold medal in total.
By becoming the oldest female athlete to win the highest title in her sport since 1952, Biles further defied stereotypes.
Twelve of the previous Olympic women’s all-around champions were teens. Ludmilla Tourischeva, the last non-teen winner, turned 20 just a few weeks before to her victory in 1972.With her shocking 2020 withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics, Biles became a record-breaking athlete and mental health advocate. Her most recent victory is evidence of this.
She had what are referred to as “twisties” in the gymnastics community at the time, which are situations where an athlete loses consciousness of their surroundings and feels unable to land, potentially leading to fatal consequences.
After enduring sexual abuse, Biles left the spotlight for over two years in order to concentrate on her recovery and emotional well-being.
