After clinching three gold medals in Paris and solidifying her title as the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history, Simone Biles couldn’t hold back her tears upon reaching this latest achievement.
The 27-year-old athlete, now boasting 11 Olympic medals (seven of which are gold), shared that she felt an influx of emotions while heading back to the Olympic Village with her team after the women’s floor final on Monday.
Biles’ medal count this summer consists of team gold, all-around gold, vault gold, and silver in the floor exercise.
“When we returned to the village yesterday, I looked at Jordan [Chiles] and just started crying,” Biles recounted on the ‘TODAY’ Show on Tuesday.
“She remarked, ‘I knew this would happen. I just didn’t know when.’ I was overwhelmed with emotion and finally let it all out.”
Simone Biles allowed her emotions to surface after her final event on Monday during the Olympics
Biles secured silver in the women’s floor exercise final after her three gold medals
Biles further explained: “I felt so proud, thrilled, and bittersweet that my journey has come to an end. It feels surreal how quickly it all flew by. My third Olympics.”
While the Spring, Texas native has not dismissed the possibility of a fourth Olympic appearance, she remains uncertain about her future.
“You can never say never,” Biles shared with the ‘TODAY’ Show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. “The next Olympics will be in my home country [in Los Angeles], so it’s a possibility.”
The gymnast concluded: “For now, I plan to relax and see where life leads me.”
Biles earned four medals, bringing her total to 11, and has made history as the most decorated gymnast
However, prior to her return home, Biles was urged by her former U.S. gymnastics teammate MyKayla Skinner to speak out against the online harassment she has experienced since voicing concerns about the Olympian before the Games commenced.
Biles also received support from former First Lady Michelle Obama after bowing to Brazilian competitor Rebeca Andrade following the women’s floor final, where Biles finished second and Chiles won bronze.
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey initially criticized Biles and Chiles for their actions during the medal ceremony.
Additionally, Biles sought therapy “three or four times” during the Paris Olympics to manage her anxiety between competitions, commonly referred to as the ‘Twisties’ in gymnastics.
