Jason Kelce reveals why he doubted Simone Biles before Paris Olympics as brother Travis celebrates her win
PARIS, FRANCE: Jason Kelce never saw it coming. On August 19 episode of 'New Heights' podcast alongside his brother Travis Kelce, the ex NFL star admitted that he doubted Simone Biles' chances at the Olympic Games, dismissing the USA gymnast because of her age.
But Biles had other plans. Three years after stepping back from several events in Tokyo to focus on her mental health, the 27-year-old returned to the Olympic stage in Paris with a stunning performance.
Jason Kelce recalls doubting Biles given her age
Simone Biles clinched three gold medals and one silver, solidifying her status as the most decorated American gymnast in history with a total of 41 medals from the Olympics and World Championships.
On the debut episode of the new season of their episode with guest Adam Sandler, Jason shared how he had joined wife Kylie in Paris this summer and initially had his doubts about Biles, given her age — a number often seen as beyond a gymnast's prime.
But Biles, ever the champion, proved him and countless others wrong.
"We watched every girl go and do the floor routine and Simone Biles was the last person," Jason recalled.
He added, "And I'm like, 'You know, she's getting older, we'll see how she looks.'"
However, according to TODAY, the retired NFL star had already shown his support for Team USA when he was spotted wearing the team's shirt while cheering on the women's gymnastics team during the final on July 30.
Biles recently took to her social media revealing her lavish purchases incuding a brand new $150k Mercedes G-Wagon and building a new home with Jonathan Owens post Olympic success.
The legend also revealed how her celebration was marred when a Paris nightclub tried charging her a staggeringly high amount for a bottle of champagne.
Travis Kelce admits 'being happy' for Simone Biles
Travis couldn't believe his ears when Jason admitted he thought Simone Biles wouldn’t make it in Paris.
But Jason doubled down: "I did think that! If you look at the age of most gymnasts, they're usually not in their mid to late 20s. They're young. They usually don't age and sustain well later."
His Kansas City Chiefs-star brother quickly jumped in, pointing out that Simone is truly an "anomaly" in the sport - a statement Jason now wholeheartedly agrees with.
"You would be right, she is the anomaly because she jumped higher than everybody and it wasn't even close," Jason admitted.
Travis chimed in, "It's such a feel-good story knowing the past and everything that she's had to go through, just to feel confident in getting back up there and medaling. It's the best man, I'm so happy for her."
"And... America's so proud of her man."
With the Olympic excitement fading, Biles recently confessed that she felt a wave of relief after her final event.
(New Heights/Youtube)
The seven-time gold medalist opened up about the nerves she battled every time she stepped onto the mat, which often proved to be a stressful experience.
"Coming out, it’s just like a breath of fresh air," she told Olympics.com.
"I feel so much better now that it's over because you know how stressful it is." Still, she reflected, "So I just couldn't wait to be done. So I just couldn't wait to be done."
