Simone Biles is heading to Paris with the chance to solidify her status as gymnastics' Greatest of All Time, an iconic athlete whose influence extends beyond her sport. Biles captivated audiences at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, securing gold in the all-around, vault, floor exercise, and team events.

Despite her star power and historical goals at the delayed Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from most events due to a disorienting mental block known as the "twisties." While praised as a mental health advocate, she faced criticism from some quarters as a result. Now, at 27, Biles has made a remarkable return after a two-year break, showcasing performances as impressive as ever.

In 2023, she raised her total of world and Olympic medals to 37, a journey beginning with her first world all-around title in 2013. As the record holder for six world all-around championships, Biles remains a dazzling figure, admired alongside stars like NBA's LeBron James and pop icon Taylor Swift.

Biles’s personal life has also drawn attention, including her high-profile wedding to NFL player Jonathan Owens, who has been given special leave from the Chicago Bears to support her in Paris. Taylor Swift even celebrated Biles’s choice of a Swift lyric for her floor routine during the US Olympic trials.

Biles’s career has not been without challenges, including the aftermath of the Larry Nassar abuse scandal. She has been a vocal critic of USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's handling of the situation, advocating for accountability and reform.

At 27, Biles will be the oldest US female gymnast since 1952. Reflecting on her journey, she humorously apologized to Aly Raisman, whom she once labeled "grandma" in 2016. Biles acknowledges the physical toll of her career but maintains a rigorous mental health regimen, including weekly therapy sessions.

Biles's exceptional skills include the Yurchenko double pike vault, a move so difficult that no other woman has attempted it in competition. Her return has been guided by coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi, who have helped her refine both her mental and physical game.

Supported by her family and the World Champions Centre, a gym owned by her adopted parents, Biles will compete alongside teammates Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and newcomer Hezly Rivera in Paris. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, Biles is focused on performing for herself and proving her enduring capability.

"Nobody's forcing me to do it," Biles said. "I wake up every day and choose to grind in the gym and come out here and perform for myself. Just to remind myself that I can still do it—that’s my why."