Simone Biles has officially secured her place on Team USA for her third Olympic Games, making history as America’s oldest female gymnast to compete in the Games in 72 years.
At just 27 years old, Biles recently reflected on this milestone during a press conference following the U.S. Olympic trials.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, now views her friend and former team captain Aly Raisman in a new light. Raisman, who was affectionately dubbed the “grandma” of the team at just 22 years old during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, seemed much older to a then-19-year-old Biles.
Having qualified for the U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team once again, Biles felt compelled to apologize to Raisman. “So now, I definitely have to apologize to Aly for calling her grandma because, whew, I feel like I’m way older now than me calling her grandma when we were younger,” Biles quipped, as reported by Gymnastics Now.
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Biles, who was 19 during her first Olympic appearance in Rio, is now five years older than Raisman was back then. “And, you know, it’s what, 11 p.m.? So, it’s definitely past my bedtime,” she joked. “So, I know Aly would be cracking up right now. I’m a lot older and more mature. What was the rest of the question? See, I’m forgetting.”
As the oldest member of Team USA, Biles elaborated on the more intensive recovery process she now undergoes compared to her routine during the Rio Games eight years ago. “I definitely have to take care of recovery mentally, physically. After Classics, I swore I couldn’t walk. I was like hobbling to the plane, so that was exciting. After Championships, I felt a little bit better and after day one of Trials, I was actually surprised I could walk. So I was like, ‘Woo, I’m actually not as sore, I’m not hurting,’ ” she said.
In a heartwarming gesture, the Chicago Bears have allowed Biles’ husband, safety Jonathan Owens, to skip some training camp to support her at the Paris Olympics. “The Bears are actually granting him a couple days off from training camp, so he’ll be there, yes,” Biles confirmed, according to USA Today. “For just a short little time.”
This accommodation underscores the significance of Biles’ Olympic journey and the support she receives from those around her.
As she prepares for yet another historic Olympic appearance, Biles’ story continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide.
