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2024 PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES: SIMONE BILES IN A ‘REALLY GREAT PLACE’ SAYS USA COACH CHELLSIE MEMMEL
Simone Biles endured a tough time at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to mental health struggles, but after a two-year hiatus she returned and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. USA gymnastic technical lead Chellsie Memmell cut a confident figure when discussing Biles and her team-mates chances, with the tournament now less than a week away.
US Olympic gymnastic technical lead Chellsie Memmel believes Simone Biles has been “doing great” ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Biles withdrew from a number of events at Tokyo 2020 as she suffered from mental health issues, and the team claimed silver, having gone into the Games as favourites.
The 27-year-old took a two-year break from the sport before returning with one eye on the 2024 Olympics in France, which will be her third time at the event.
Memmel had no concerns over Biles’ preparation, and thinks the US will be able to put right the problems of their time in Japan.
“Simone has been doing great,” she said.
She’s been solid in training since Katy, Texas and seems to be in a really great place.
“She’s a great leader for this team, and together they are really looking forward to the competition. It is kind of their redemption tour.”
Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Biles all competed in Tokyo, with 16-year-old Hezly Rivera making her Olympic debut this summer.
Memmel made it clear they are trying not to put too much pressure on Biles at this forthcoming competition.
“We don’t say to her that she is keeping us all together, and we’re relying on you and you alone,” she explained.
I’ve had the conversation with (head coach) Cecile (Landi) already about team finals and what the expectation for Simone is.
“If she doesn’t feel like it’s going to be in her best interest to do all four events that day, is that an option for her? Absolutely.
“If that’s what she needs to continue to be at her best for her team and for herself, that’s what we’re going to do because there are still four members on our team.”
She added: “I want them to get through this and be happy, healthy and proud of what they accomplish no matter what the outcome is.
“I want them to be proud and to look back and say I’m so glad I had this experience.”