The secret detail you’ve probably missed on all of Simone Biles’ leotards

Most decorated American gymnast in history makes apt sparkly brag

Clara Hill,Louise Hall
Monday 28 June 2021 16:46 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Simone Biles has officially secured the top place on the United States Gymnastics team for next month’s Tokoyo Olympics this week – and her leotards suggest that the win came as no surprise.

The gymnast’s outfits are detailed with a reminder that she is the GOAT – Greatest (Gymnast) Of All Time – featuring a rhinestoned goat.

The 24-year-old previously wore the glittery goat symbol on her bodysuit twice while appearing at the US Gymnastics Championships.

Now, Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist finished the US Gymnastics Olympic trials on Sunday with a score of 118.098 with Sunisa Lee grabbing the second top spot on the team.

Her victory in the all-round division of the tournament in Forth Worth in Texas has meant she has become the first woman to earn seven national women’s all-around titles.

This came after she accrued a score of 119.650 taking her five points clear of the runner up Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles, her team mate and friend.

“It’s really emotional, especially going into my second time doing an Olympic run,” Biles said to NBC Sports.

Athletes of all stripes have been preparing for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, which have been delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. In Rio in 2016, Biles proved herself, after taking home four gold medals and one bronze.

Despite her record, Biles said she was concerned about her performance in Texas due to injury fears, confirming that she didn’t perform several of the vaults and dismounts she is known for.

“We’re definitely going to do it at Trials,” she told reporters after her win. “I didn’t do it at this competition because on Wednesday I jammed my ankles and they didn’t feel too good, so we just made a decision to not do it and not rush it so that I wouldn’t be too, too nervous.”

But, she was still able to beat her own personal records, winning four sections at the competition.

And on Sunday, Biles became visibly emotional during an uncharacteristically shaky performance when compared only against her own impeccable standards.

“I kind of got in my head today and started doubting myself,” Biles said. “And you could see that in the gymnastics. But just go home, work harder. This is just the beginning of the journey.”

Despite this, with her World Champion wins, Biles has the most amount of medals of any American gymnast, with a total of 30.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in