Simone Biles urges to focus on the present as she aims for two additional gold medals | World News
Simone Biles has urged people to refrain from asking athletes “what’s next?” after they achieve Olympic success.
The seven-time Olympic gold medalist shared on the X social media platform: “Let us soak up the moment we’ve worked our whole lives for.”
In a playful response to a follower asking about her plans after winning a gold medal, Biles quipped: “Babysitting the medal.”
Biles, recognized as the most decorated gymnast in history, secured her seventh gold medal, the third of the Paris Olympics, by winning the women’s gymnastic vault event on Saturday.
With the individual floor and balance beam competitions still ahead, she has the opportunity to surpass her record of four medals from the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Biles has made a remarkable comeback to the Olympic stage, following her notable withdrawal from most events at the Tokyo Games as the favorite for multiple golds due to experiencing “the twisties,” a condition where a gymnast loses spatial awareness while in the air.
She faced significant criticism for her decision but has since been undergoing therapy in Paris.
“The negative comments are hurtful to a certain extent,” she expressed. “They are hurtful, but I’m still in therapy working through it, ensuring my mental health is well. Surprisingly, the critics are now quiet.”
“After years of mental preparation, it has paid off. I’m extremely excited to be back on this stage,” Biles shared. “The Olympics demand a lot from athletes, spanning multiple days of competition, requiring top mental and physical health. As long as we maintain that balance, we’re good. So far, I feel positive.”
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“Once we’re out here, the floor is our stage. It feels so liberating for us since we’re in our element, having fun, and doing what we love,” she added.
Biles will wrap up her competition on Monday with the beam and floor finals.