Simone Biles Breaks records at the 2024 Olympic Games, but how did she make history?

Biles took home four more medals in gymnastics in Paris

Simone Biles continues to smash any records put before her as the artistic gymnast took home four more medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris to become the most decorated Olympic gymnast in American history.

With three golds and a silver, the 27-year-old surpassed all other stars to become the most decorated gymnast in history out-right and she closes to within two golds to catch the Soviet Union’s Larisa Latynina and Czechoslovakia’s Vera Caslavska to become the winningest gymnast at the Olympics

Biles also became the first woman to win two golds in the all-around exercise at non-consecutive Olympic Games, as she went beyond her “wildest dreams” at her self-titled redemption tour.

“I’m just going to relax and see where life takes me,” Biles said to USA Today, of potential retirement although she later didn’t rule out trying to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games, which will be hosted in Los Angeles.

Paris showcases record-breaking Olympics

Team USA “won” the Olympics with 40 golds and 126 medals overall, inspired by Biles‘, LeBron James‘ and Katie Ledecky‘s efforts as the 2024 Olympic Games saw a plethora of records shattered across various countries.

Gymnastics did not see Biles become the only record-setter. Alice D’Amato‘s gold in the women’s balance beam final was the first Italian triumph in the event, ever. Whilst China claimed their first gold in the group all-around and the Philippines tripled their gold medal count in men’s gymnastics.

“I was just hoping to perform well. I didn’t really expect a medal,” Carlos Yulo, gold in the floor and vault finals, told reporters of his unanticipated success in the City of Love in Europe to bring glory to his nation

Additionally, whilst not a record, Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade produced a phenomenal feat to beat Biles in the floor final after fighting back from three ligament injuries through her career to take just her second ever individual medal.

The moment was so memorable that both Biles and the USA’s Jordan Chiles bowed to her on the podium, paying respect to the 25-year-old’s triumph.

via