The world is set for a historic moment at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, as Simone Biles and Suni Lee compete in the women’s gymnastics all-around final. This event marks the first time two reigning all-around champions will face off against each other.
“There’s significant historical importance in having gymnasts who have competed in multiple Olympiads,” said CarrieAnn Jones, Education Director at Sokol Fort Worth.
Founded by her grandparents in 1912, Sokol Fort Worth has been a long-standing institution in the community, nurturing gymnasts for generations. Jones noted that the sport has evolved considerably over time, especially in allowing gymnasts, particularly women, to continue competing into their 20s and even 30s.
“Previously, we would evaluate gymnasts around the age of 15 ½ as their prime time to become Olympic hopefuls. Now, we can extend that age range,” she explained.
Jones attributes this shift to advancements in safety equipment, such as crash pads, spring floors, and foam pits, which help reduce the physical toll on athletes’ bodies. Additionally, the strong NCAA gymnastics program has provided opportunities for athletes like Lee and her teammates, Carey and Chiles, to continue competing while also pursuing Olympic aspirations.
A major influence on the sport has been Biles, who has set an unprecedented standard in women’s gymnastics. “Simone has set a bar that far exceeds anything seen before in the sport. Now, everyone aims to reach that level,” Jones said.
Biles, often referred to as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), won the all-around gold medal in Rio in 2016 and was expected to repeat the feat in Tokyo four years later. However, she withdrew from the competition, which paved the way for Lee to win gold and represent the United States with distinction.
Both athletes have faced significant challenges, with Biles struggling with the “twisties” in 2020 and Lee dealing with kidney disease. Despite these setbacks, they are now poised for a chance to earn spots on the podium, making this matchup a must-watch event not only for American gymnastics fans but for the global audience as well.
