The summer Olympics are right around the corner, and many star athletes are skipping the games either due to a need to rest after grueling professional seasons, or due to a fear of the Zika virus outbreak. One of the brightest stars who is planning to be in Rio, Simone Biles, just served notice that she is in top form and ready to continue her streak of dominating the gymnastics world.
“It was a good day,” Biles said after a stellar performance at the US gymnastics championships. “I showed how hard I’ve been working and training, and I did the same in competition. It was only my second all-around all year, but you have to go out there and have fun. Not many kids make it this far.”
Biles, wearing a custom purple-and-white leotard she designed, had the night’s best score on three of four events and led the US National Team, including 2012 Olympic darling all-around gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas, on an important step toward next month’s Olympic Trials in San Jose, California.
“My favorite color is purple,” she said. “I was looking at ice skating costumes and picked a couple out and said let’s put this here and that there, and [GK Gymnastics] came up with it for me. It’s a confidence booster if you like what you’re wearing,” said Biles.
Team coordinator Martha Karolyi had previously met with Biles to map out a schedule designed to keep the three-time world gymnastics champion fresh heading into the Olympics.
“It’s all about peaking for the right moment,” Biles said. “I think this is a stepping stone toward it.”
Karolyi agrees, and she will have plenty to consider as she tries to find the right four women to join Biles on the plane to Brazil in August. One thing Karolyi does not have to worry about is the mental state of her star.
“Usually these very talented girls don’t have patience,” Karolyi said. “They’re explosive and full with energy but sometimes they can be annoyed with doing the very same routine.”
We look forward to Biles’ star shining on the Olympic stage for the first time.
