Simone Biles becomes most decorated US gymnast in Olympic history after team final win at Paris Games

PARIS, FRANCE: Simone Biles, who led the US women's gymnastics team to a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has now become the most decorated US gymnast in Olympic history. She now also holds the record for most medals (eight) won by any American gymnast in the history of the Olympic Games.

The gold medal won on Tuesday, July 30, marks Biles' fifth in the Olympics, adding to her collection of one silver and two bronze medals. 

Additionally, this victory allowed her to surpass former American gymnast Shannon Miller, who won seven medals across the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Games.

Simone Biles sets record for both male and female gymnasts

Simone Biles, 27, secured her eighth Olympic medal on Tuesday night when she and her teammates—Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera—dominated the team final to win gold at the 2024 Paris Games. 

Notably, Biles' new medal brings her total to 38 across the Olympics and World Championships, setting a record for both male and female gymnasts.

At a press conference following the win, Biles downplayed the significance of her achievements. She told reporters, "Honestly, I would have had to Google that. I don't keep count, I don't keep stats. I just go out here and do what I'm supposed to and I'm doing what I love and enjoying it, so that's really all that matters to me." 

She added, "Yes, it's amazing, now that I hear it, but I don't think I'll truly understand the depth of it until I walk away from the sport."

Coach Chellsie Memmel lauds Simone Biles

US gymnastics technical coach Chellsie Memmel commended Simone Biles while talking to reporters after the competition for her remarkable comeback following the Tokyo Olympics, as per People.

Memmel asserted, "I think it speaks volumes of her strength. What she was able to come back from with the whole world watching, with the whole world watching with a magnifying glass again, just waiting to see what she was going to do."

"We all knew she could do it, like that wasn't ever a question in my mind that she could do it, and it continues to just solidify her place as the greatest gymnast of all time," Memmel concluded.

Biles made a remarkable comeback at the Paris Olympics after suffering from the twisties at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The twisties happen when a gymnast loses their sense of where they are in the air and how they’ll land. Biles described it as being “lost in the air", back then.

Simone Biles' fans congratulate her after she bags 8th Olympic medal

Simone Biles' record as the most decorated US Olympic gymnast has taken the internet by storm, with many users extending their congratulations and hailing her as an incredible person.

"God bless her. She works her heart off to be as good as she is and deserves every bit of praise the United States and everyone else gives her God bless you, baby girl," one user commented.

Another said, "Love love love! What an incredible human! Congratulations! You are a light in a dark world!!!!"

A fan wrote, "Congratulations! She deserves all of the accolades! She’s worked hard to overcome many challenges & I am so happy for her! Proud too!"

Someone else asserted, "I'm just lost for words. What can I say? I've said it many times before she is the GOAT, her record speaks for itself."

A user remarked, "GREAT ATHLETE and Wonderful Soul."

Another gushed, "Phenomenal and so we'll deserved! Simone's talent is extraordinary!!"

A comment read, "She is the G.O.A.T. So glad she stepped away and took some time off for herself to heal and to be replenished and to be able to come back at this incredible and unstoppable level! Love her!"

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