Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, Natalie Portman, Spike Lee, Nicole Kidman, Prince Albert II of Monaco… Since the beginning of these Games, the stands of the Arena Bercy have been overflowing with stars who have come to see one of the main attractions of the 2024 Olympic Games: Simone Biles.
Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and other members Team USA's teammates also decided to go cheer on their compatriot. For the former, it was the very first time he had attended a gymnastics competition.
” Seeing Simone was probably the most memorable moment so far. I had never been so close to a gymnastics event. Of course, I watched it on TV, but it's different when you're there. And seeing her talent, as well as the other girls who dedicate so much time to their discipline, is just incredible. “, KD delivers after win over Puerto Rico.
The Suns star is in Paris hoping to win a fourth Olympic gold medal, where his compatriot has already won, in this edition alone, her third gold medal, on Saturday in the vault. It was the 7th Olympic gold medal in artistic gymnastics of her career, reinforcing her status as the “GOAT” – a term used by Kevin Durant himself – of her discipline and a legend of the sport in general.
I really believe Goat Biles can catch a lob and finish. #bounce
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 1, 2024
” I didn't know Simone was considered old at 27. It's a young sport. You also see a few 16-year-olds doing their thing. There are so many great athletes in this sport that are going to come up in the years to come, at the next Olympics. So I'm looking forward to discovering a little bit more. “, continues a visibly very interested Kevin Durant.
At the forefront of mental health
In addition to her exceptional performances on the apparatus, Simone Biles is known for having helped break the taboo of mental health in high-level sport. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she was already expected to be a superstar, the champion, victim of “twisties” (dangerous loss of bearings that occur during jumps), was forced to withdraw from the competition.
In Paris, Simone Biles admitted to being overwhelmed by other athletes wanting to take photos with her. She ended up repeatedly declining, prioritizing her mental well-being.
Kevin Durant says in any case he is impressed by the mental strength of his compatriot, who has been in the spotlight for years and who, despite the trials, continues to win.
” She’s lived it at the highest level. She continues to shine every day and let people know they look crazy for picking on her. Being able to do both is inspiring. So yeah, she inspired me to keep tweeting and doing what I do on the field. ” concludes Kevin Durant.
