Simone Biles is one of the United States’ top athletes, with more medals of any gymnast in the country’s history and widely regarded as one of the greatest in her field. She has claimed seven Olympic medals, but even those accolades do not guarantee her presence at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The 27-year-old famously dropped out of the Tokyo Games last time around, citing mental health issues as the reason, which raised massive awareness of these kind of issues given her incredible feats of the past.
Now, as the Paris Games approach, some believe that she will either drop out altogether or pace herself through the competition.
Washington Post reporter Emily Giambalvo has claimed that Team USA Gymnastics Technical Lead Chellsie Memmel is considering dosing Biles’ appearances.
“Chellsie Memmel said she has talked with Cecile Landi, Simone Biles’s coach, about the option for Biles to not compete all four events in the team final if they feel that’s what’s best for her. Decision is up to Biles but the option is available,” wrote Giambalvo on X.
What did Memmel recently say about Biles’ condition?
This claim comes just under two weeks since Memmel publicly stated that Team USA is going all out for gold and that Simone Biles would be at the heart of that.
“If she can put together her normal gymnastics, there is no doubt in my mind that she can be an Olympic all-around champion,” Memmel told TMJ4.
“Simone paced herself really well. You know, coming back. Starting with last year. Competing, doing amazing at World Championships. You know, she’s added in even a little bit more difficulty coming into the Olympics.”
“When we’re at competitions together? You know I try to check in, but also I try to leave things up to her. You know, she knows where she’s at.
“The coaches are with her day in, day out. You know, they know her best. They know her in the gym. But also knowing that if she needs to do this? Or if she needs to have a therapy session? That’s what we’re going to do.”
