Congratulations are in order for Simone Biles [1], as she has just become one of the most decorated Americans [2] in the history of Olympic gymnastics. On 3 Aug., after withdrawing for mental-health reasons from the team final, all-around final, and the three other events she qualified for, Simone took home the bronze medal during the balance beam final. "It means more than all of the golds [3] because I pushed through so much the last five years and the last week while I've even been here," the 24-year-old gymnast said on Today. Throughout her 2021 Olympic journey, Simone has been battling the "twisties [4]," which is a mental block that can potentially lead to injury.
"I wasn't expecting to walk away with the medal [5]. I was just going out there doing this for me," Simone shared post-competition with The New York Times. "To have one more opportunity to be at the Olympics meant the world to me." Ahead, can see how Jonathan Van Ness, Ava DuVernay [6], Adam Rippon, and others are congratulating the Olympian on her recent win.