Gymnastics fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
Simone Biles told NBC’s Mike Tirico that the boot on her left foot was “just precautionary” during an interview that aired Monday night on the network.
The American gymnast, who has four medals to her name at the Paris Olympics this year, said that her “calf is good” but did say there was a “little bit of soreness.”
Simone Biles is happiest doing what she loves. ❤️ #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/pgjZMO3L95
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2024
She had dealt with a calf injury earlier in the Olympics, but gutted out an awe-inspiring floor routine that ended up guaranteeing her a spot in the finals.
Biles ended up winning the silver medal in the event on Monday after taking a tumble ahead of the final floor routine and re-taping her calf.
“I feel like elite athletes are pretty tough, so we’re just, through pain or pleasure, we’re ready for whatever,” she said during the NBC sitdown. “So mainly, what you’re seeing here is, I was just trying to over rotate for good measure, and I did just that and almost knocked (coach) Laurent [Landi] on out. But it was good.”
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Biles added three gold medals and a silver medal during this year’s games to her already impressive resume and has solidified her spot as the gymnastics G.O.A.T., while turning the page from the Tokyo Olympics where the “twisties” forced her to pull out of the competition.
With 11 Olympic medals, she is now the second-most decorated women’s gymnast of all time.
Biles said during the interview that she had a greater appreciation for her Olympic experience this year and called it “really special.”
The superstar gymnast also said that she was in good mental space during this year’s competition.
“So whenever I’m out there, it’s just pure joy. Can’t believe I’m out there again, competing, representing my country, just having fun, doing what I love,” Biles said.
