Aly Raisman applauds US gymnastics team's success and their role in changing perceptions at 2024 Olympics

PARIS, FRANCE: Aly Raisman, a retired gymnast and former captain of the US women's gymnastics team, is filled with pride and admiration for this year's team.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on Thursday, August 1, moments before Simone Biles secured her second gold medal of the 2024 Paris Olympics in the all-around final, Raisman shared her thoughts.

Aly Raisman applauds US Gymnastics team

“I think that they're doing so well. I've been really impressed with how they've been handling all the pressure. It's really incredible to see and I love watching them do so well,” said Raisman, 30, about the current Team USA, which includes Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.

Simone Biles' latest victory in the all-around final, where teammate Suni Lee also won bronze, came shortly after Team USA's gold in the women's team final on July 30. This marked a dramatic return for Biles, who had withdrawn mid-competition from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Raisman expressed her joy and anticipation ahead of Biles and Lee’s wins, saying, “It's not easy to navigate all the pressure that they're doing. So, I am very happy for them and I can't wait to watch them tonight. And, it's been so nice to be able to share this experience with my family.”

Raisman, who captained the US team to gold at the 2012 London Olympics and again at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, understands the immense pressure the current team faces.

She reminisced about her own experiences, including her gold medal in the floor exercise and bronze on the balance beam in 2012, which made her the most decorated American gymnast at the London Games.

Simone Biles recently revealed the nickname for the current team, the “Golden Girls.” This name is a nod to their age, as Biles, who turned 27 on March 14, is the oldest American woman to win gymnastics gold.

The “Golden Girls” are the oldest US women's team since 1952, a fact that impresses Raisman. “I think that it's amazing that this is the oldest team that the US has had in a very long time,” she said.

Raisman praised the team for changing perceptions of the sport. “I think it's amazing they're changing the way that people view the sport of gymnastics and showing that you can do gymnastics in your late 20s," she continued. “Not only that, but also thrive doing it."

Raisman concluded her interview stating, "I'm very proud of them.”

Simone Biles and Suni Lee create history 

Simone Biles and Suni Lee have once again etched their names in Olympic history. Representing Team USA in the women's artistic gymnastics all-around final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 1, Biles, 27, and Lee, 21, made a remarkable impact. This event marked the first time two former all-around gold medalists faced each other in the competition.

Lee was the reigning champion from the 2020 Tokyo Games, while Biles held the title from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In a thrilling showdown, Biles clinched the gold medal, further solidifying her status as the most decorated gymnast in US history with nine Olympic medals. Lee secured the bronze medal, finishing behind Brazil's Rebecca Andrade.

The victory was particularly poignant for Biles, who had faced significant challenges during the 2020 Tokyo Games. Struggling with the twisties, a condition that affects spatial awareness, Biles withdrew from several events in Tokyo, leading Team USA to a silver medal in the team final. Her triumphant return to Paris, culminating in another gold medal, was a testament to her determination.

Biles, Lee, and their teammates — Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Hezly Rivera — had already demonstrated their strength by winning the team gold on July 30.

This victory was a significant rebound from the difficulties faced during the 2020 Games and underscored the depth of talent in the current U.S. team.

Former gymnast and two-time Olympian Aly Raisman celebrated Biles and Lee's achievements, expressing her admiration on X (formerly Twitter): "In awe of you @Simone_Biles & @sunisalee congratulations!!!! EPICCCCC!"