What to Know about Simone Biles at the Paris Olympics: Absent from Opening Ceremony, Leg Issue, Public Criticism & More
Simone Biles’ appearance at the Paris Olympics is being discussed online for various reasons. The superstar gymnast missed the opening ceremony, she experienced an issue with her leg and is currently at the center of public criticism for how her hair looked.
The Paris Olympics have been in full swing for a few days now and the superstar competitors have already begun dazzling crowds with their sports prowess. Among these talents is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles who has gone viral for a few reasons. From missing the opening ceremony to having a leg issue, find out why the 27-year-old is the name on everybody’s lips.
On July 26, hoards of athletes rode boats along Paris’ River Seine during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, Simone, along with some of the other members of the U.S.A. gymnasts team, was noticeably absent from the groups for a specific reason, which her doting mom, Nellie Biles, explained.
When it came time for the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Qualification on day 2 of the Olympics, July 28, Simone faced adversity amid the competition. Footage taken at the event showed the young athlete sitting on the sidelines with the U.S.A. Gymnastics team doctor Marcia Faustin.
The two ladies disappeared for a brief moment after which Simone returned with medical tape wrapped around her left leg. According to a news outlet, the gymnast had to get her leg taped due to tweaking her calf during her floor exercise warmup.
Her grit and determination to continue despite being hurt juxtapose what happened three years ago at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics when she removed herself from final competitions to protect her well-being. This then prompted a wide-scale public discussion on mental health.
Upon hearing that Simone had suffered an injury during one of her warmups, many took to online platforms to assert their opinions, with most criticizing her. “Smart. This time, if she wants to quit, she can blame injury instead of nerves,” wrote an X user.
“It’s always something with her, she’s not injured she just wants attention,” asserted an observer. Another person expreesed, “Simone Biles hurt her leg today and is still leading in the standing. These people can’t do nothing with her.”
However, amid the flak, was a comment showing support for Simone, especially where her endurance and tenacity were concerned.
Besides her leg injury, people have been buzzing about the fact that Simone, tweaked calf and all, not only managed to partecipatein her competition but also achieved an incredible milestone.