Getty Images Simone Biles has received a rare honor.
Those tuning in to watch the opening ceremonies at the Paris Olympics will miss one very famous face — U.S. gymnast Simone Biles.
Biles and other members of Team USA were expected to skip Friday’s showcase of athletes from around the world. The 27-year-old gymnast’s mother, Nellie Biles, told the Today show that the rigorous gymnastics schedule ahead made it too difficult for Simone Biles to participate.
“The first competition is Sunday, which is women’s qualifier, and, of course, she needs to rest up before that competition,” Nellie Biles said.
Simone Biles Has Big Support System in Paris
As Washington Post reporter Emily Giambvalvo noted, it is common for gymnasts to skip opening ceremonies as they prepare to start the early competition. Li Li Leung, president of USA Gymnastics, said in May that “it will be an exhausting endeavor” and added that gymnasts were encouraged to skip it in favor of rest.
Nellie Biles said that her daughter “is doing really great” as the Paris Olympics are set to kick off. Simone Biles made history when she became the oldest U.S. women’s gymnast to qualify for the Olympics since 1950 and is looking for redemption after having to pull out of several events at the Tokyo Olympics.
Nellie Biles said after family members were unable to attend the Tokyo games amid pandemic restrictions, this time there are 17 people to support her.
“She is happy that we’re here,” Nellie Biles said.
Team USA Focusing on Simone Biles’ Workload
The American team is being careful not to overload Biles, with technical lead Chellsie Memmel saying Biles will have control over how many events she competes in during the team competition.
“If that’s what she needs to continue to be at her best for the team and for herself, that’s what we’re going to do because there are still four other members on our team,” Memmel said, via USA Today. “Whether she takes it or not, it’s going to be completely up to her.”
But Memmel has also shared praise for Biles’ preparation, saying she will be approaching the Paris Olympics as a chance at redemption.
“Simone has been doing great,” Memmel said, via Reuters. “She’s been solid in training since Katy, Texas and seems to be in a really great place.
“She’s a great leader for this team and together they are really looking forward to the competition. It is kind of their redemption tour.”
Simone Biles putting in work at Podium Training. 🫡 #ParisOlympics
Biles already earned plenty of attention for her performance at pre-Olympics training in Paris. She landed a vault at practice on Thursday that caught some viral attention and led her coach to share a bit of relief.
“We’re all breathing a little bit better right now. I’m not gonna lie,” said coach Cecile Landi, via Olympics.com.
Landi said Biles and other members of Team USA were able to get comfortable at practice.
“The whole team, you know, [the vibe] is bright,” she said. “It’s the Olympic Games… The rings are everywhere, you know? So we feel much better. The girls feel good. We feel good.”