Simone Biles during the U.S. Trials.LAPRESSE
Biles has nothing to lose according to former gymnast Shawn Johnson.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are technically underway, and the excitement is palpable across every nation, both for the participants and for fans all over the world. While many high-profile athletes have eyes on them, there probably isn’t anyone with higher expectations than Simone Biles.
The 27-year-old gymnast is already one of the greatest to ever do it in her sport and could become the most-decorated U.S. female gymnast of all-time with a good showing in Paris. With so much success comes a lot of responsibility, though. The spotlight hasn’t affected her until this point, but everyone is expecting greatness every time she steps into a gym.
Shawn Johnson expects “greatness” from Simone Biles at Olympic Games
Right before she does so this summer, former U.S. gymnast Shawn Johnson has taken to the airwaves to give Biles some advice. Johnson appeared recently in an interview with Yahoo Sports.
She’s the greatest athlete our sport will ever see. As far as what to expect in Paris, I think she’s capable of everything, anything you can possibly imagine she’s capable of… But I also think the entire world is putting a microscope on her and expecting so much. I don’t care who you are; that’s a lot of weight to carry. For me, I just keep hoping that she keeps her, you know, ears plugged in and her bones down because she has nothing to prove to the world.
It’s unclear if Biles and Johnson ever actually met, but the two share the honor of having won a gold medal at an Olympic Games. Johnson ended up winning 10 gold medals across various competitions while representing the U.S., while Biles has won an incredible 29.
Having participated in two Olympics already, Biles knows what goes on and what is needed during them. But it’s always nice to have a veteran back you and relieve some pressure. Biles’ first competition will come on Sunday, July 28.
