Why Simone Biles missed the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris
When viewers tuned in to the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a familiar face was noticeably missing.
Simone Biles opted not to attend the star-studded event, held on the Seine Friday evening, alongside Team USA.
However, her parents Ronald and Nellie Biles were quick to explain her absence during an interview with NBC News’ Hoda Kotb and Snoop Dogg.
‘The first competition is Sunday,’ Nellie explained, ‘which is the Women’s Qualifier. And, of course, she needs to rest up before that competition.’
The 27-year-old was advised to skip the lengthy proceedings, along with her teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey.
Simone Biles opted not to attend the Opening Ceremony, held on the Seine Friday evening
The 27-year-old was advised to skip the lengthy event as gymnastics event begin on Sunday
Nellie added, ‘She is feeling really good. I spoke to her this morning and she’s doing great. She’s just in a really good place.’
Simone’s parents will be cheering for her alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens, who was given an exemption to miss Chicago Bears practice during the Games.
‘I can’t wait to be able to support her,’ he told reporters on Thursday.
‘How did I get so lucky? That this is my wife and I get to see someone that’s literally at the pinnacle at her sport and I get to call this my wife. It’s amazing. There’s no words to really describe, just blessed.’
The 2024 Games mark Simone’s third Olympic appearance, and come three years after she withdrew from the all-around competition in Tokyo due to the ‘twisties.’
Biles bowed out of part of the Tokyo Olympics due to a condition known as the ‘twisties’
She is hoping to taste gold again in Paris like she did in Rio back in the 2016 Olympic games
The condition is a state of mind in which gymnasts cannot recognize where they are in the air during a routine.
With the high degree of difficulty of the moves Biles is capable of performing, competing with the ‘twisties’ can lead to serious injury.
‘I am doing therapy weekly to keep everything in tune so that I feel comfortable and confident enough to be competing,’ Simone told ELLE earlier this month.
‘It’s been a crucial part of my training regimen. I understand and realize I have to take care of my physical appearance as well as my mental.’
At 27, Biles is now the oldest member of Team, and is slated to compete in a full range of events in Paris.
