Yahoo Sports Gymnast Simone Biles Had an Epic Response to Hoda Kotb's Olympics Question
The 2024 Paris Olympics is just days away, and Simone Biles is back for another chance at glory after withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
As fans remember, in July 2021, Simone, the most decorated gymnast of all time stepped away from the competition after experiencing "the twisties," or a loss of body awareness when performing in the air. At the time, Simone was considered to be the favorite to win the all-around gold medal. What's more, at the time, she cited the event led her on a mission to prioritize her mental health, with folks wondering if she'd ever return to the sport.
Flash forward three years, and the 27-year-old is now one of the five gymnasts (including Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles and Hezly Rivera) representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. When speaking to Hoda Kotb on the Today show about her motivation behind coming back to the international games, she shared it actually came from watching gymnastics on television.
"It took a while, because I was watching gymnastics on TV, every time somebody twisted I was like 'Oh my God,'" she explained in a clip that ran during the July 17 episode. "And then I woke up one day and was like, 'Let's try this again.'"
Despite Simone's resolve to get back to competing in the sport she loves, others had mixed feelings about it.
She added how her coaches and teammates were supportive of her decision, but that she needed some time to re-acquaint herself with the sport before going to Paris.
"They were like, 'Get back in the gym. Get your skills back,'" she said. "So that we are all collectively deciding that we're really gonna go for it."
When Hoda asked Simone if she thought she had something to prove, the gymnast had a thoughtful answedr. "I alway say no, but the only thing I would say I have to prove is to myself, that I can get out there and do it again." Hoda then asked, "And? What do we think?" Simone had the most epic response. "I think we're going to get the job done," she said while laughing with Hoda. "I feel really confident."
As she told TODAY.com, she's excited to see what comes in Paris with her family (including husband Jonathan Owens) and friends by her side.
"I think it’s going to be just like Rio, having family there to support whatever we need, but really just having fun, embracing that moment, making those memories," she said. "I’m excited that I get to do it with my family."
We can't wait to see it.
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