Abhay Singh
Simone Biles, renowned for her extraordinary gymnastics prowess, continues to impress off the competition mat as well. On Thursday, Biles assisted German gymnasts in securing seats on a packed bus to the Bercy Arena, the venue for the Paris 2024 gymnastics events, after non-athletes on the bus refused to vacate their seats for the 45-minute journey.
“Not only standing up for herself and her mental health but also fighting for us”
Sarah Voss, 24, a German gymnast, posted about the event on Instagram stories after the podium practice, thanking Biles for her support.She wrote “Not only standing up for herself and her mental health but also fighting for us to get a seat (on) the overly packed bus toward the arena.”
Additionally, Voss shared a picture of a personalised heart-shaped pin with Biles’ signature on it. This memento has grown to represent friendship and support among Olympic competitors, volunteers, and spectators.
Pauline Schaefer-Betz, Voss’s teammate and three-time Olympian, too enthusiastically shared a story earlier this week following her receipt of Biles’ pin. The 27-year-old Schaefer-Betz, who has been making waves in gymnastics fashion with Voss by choosing to wear full-length unitards for comfort and modesty, commented, “This one is special.”
“She understands more than anyone the pressure and has had to deal with the worst, so it really helped to have her in my corner”
Although Biles is the most decorated gymnast competing at the World level, she has struggled with mental health challenges in the past and now shares her story to encourage and uplift other competitors.
When Olympic all-around champion Sunisa Lee was struggling during the U.S. national finals last month, the 27-year-old’s compassion was evident.Biles drew Lee aside and offered her some motivation.
After the competition Lee praised Biles and stated “She understands more than anyone the pressure and has had to deal with the worst, so it really helped to have her in my corner.”
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