Latest news with #SimoneBiles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Summoning golden Olympic memories, Paris parties like it's 2024
On the rise: French President Emmanuel Macron at the reinstallation of the Olympic cauldron at the Tuileries Garden in Paris, on June 12 (Yoan VALAT) Parisians had such unexpected fun at their Olympics last summer, that they are holding a public anniversary celebration to recapture the party mood, but not everyone is quite as enthusiastic. The Olympic rings will be projected on the Eiffel Tower and there will be a giant Olympic karaoke in front of the town hall on July 26. Advertisement However, preceding that party the glowing caudron balloon, "a symbol of the popular enthusiasm for these Olympic Games," according to France's National Olympic Committee, returns on Saturday. It will float once again above the Tuileries Garden, with President Emmanuel Macron in attendance, to conjure golden memories, even for those who were not there. "There are many Parisians who fled Paris last year and who kicked themselves," said Matthieu Gobbi of Aerophile, the company responsible for the balloon. Yet athletes and grass-roots sports organisations in France lament the lack of a more tangible "legacy". Advertisement For those who were there, and the five billion the International Olympic Committee says watched around the world, the Games provided 15 days of candy-coloured distraction from wars, divisive elections and global inflation. The sport was also spectacular, illuminated by the redemption of gymnast Simone Biles, a likely last Roland Garros triumph for the then 37-year-old Novak Djokovic, and the swimming heroics of French golden boy Leon Marchand. An unusually high proportion of the Olympics was held in the the middle of the city, and that posed a challenge. There were fears of terrorist attacks, that public transport would not cope and the Seine would be too polluted for triathletes and long-distance swimmers to compete. Advertisement Yet Paris pulled it off, enhancing its image, not least in France, as the world's leading tourist destination. "We'll see who can repeat a Games like this," said Macron. - 'Joy, unity, pride' - This summer, Parisians will be able to swim at three venues along the Seine. The Tour de France, rerouted to avoid the capital last year, returns for its traditional finish on the Champs-Elysees at the end of a stage that covers many of the same streets where half a million spectators watched the Olympic road races. That stage will be on July 27, a year and a day after the Paris Games opened with an epic and grandiose ceremony, put on by a cast of 20,000 artists and staff, along the Seine. Advertisement Celine Dion sang from the Eiffel Tower while the athletes sailed down the river in the pouring rain. "This moment is a memory we share. It's not so common these days," Thomas Jolly, artistic director for the opening and closing ceremonies, told AFP. "Having everyone watching the same thing at the same time... surely creates a bond!" The ceremony left a lasting mark, he said, "of joy, unity, pride". The Games themselves even made a profit, a surplus of 76 million euros. That figure does not yet include broader public spending, particularly on infrastructure, and it is here that some in France feel the Olympics has left a slightly bitter taste. Advertisement - 'Legacy' - For Olympic organisers "legacy" -- both tangible and intangible -- helps legitimise hosting an event many countries no longer want. "We're trying to give the Olympics a role they weren't made for," Mickael Attali, a sports historian at Rennes II University, told AFP. "Good memories" and "a good image of France" remain. "Materially, there are still some things left in Seine-Saint-Denis," said Attali, referring to the poorest departement in mainland France where the Olympic Aquatic Centre, opposite the Stade de France, has just opened to the public. Advertisement Macron promised the Olympics would help turn France into a sporting nation. The number of people registered to sports clubs has increased five percent, but thousands of enthusiastic children were turned away last autumn because of a lack of space. After the Games ended, national and local sports budgets were cut. Sports officials say infrastructure projects have been halted and expenditure on equipment cut. Some French athletes were abandoned by commercial sponsors. "All the companies that had set up sponsorship for the Olympics have left," said a specialist in sports marketing. Even some of France's Olympic stars feel the lustre has faded fast. "We should not have said there would be a legacy," said Olympic fencing champion Manon Apithy-Brunet. dec/pb/bsp/pi
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Simone Biles thanks Cecile Landi with a surprise luxury tequila during her Olympic break
Simone Biles thanks Cecile Landi with a surprise luxury tequila during her Olympic break (Image via Getty) A kind gesture from an Olympic star has caught everyone's attention. After a long and successful journey together, Simone Biles recently did something very special for her former coach. Fans were touched by the surprise, and the internet loved it. While Biles is currently enjoying her break after the Paris Olympics, this sweet moment has made people talk about their strong bond again. Simone Biles sends luxury tequila to Cecile Landi as a thank you gift On June 18, 2025, former gymnastics coach Cecile Landi shared on her Instagram that Simone Biles had sent her a luxury bottle of Casa Del Sol tequila. Landi showed her audience the gift and thanked Biles in her article. Years of training together at the World Champions Center in Spring, Texas, the 27-year-old Olympic gymnast and her former coach also did. Former French gymnast Cecile Landi moved to the United States looking for a coaching position. Beginning training Simone Biles in 2017 at the World Champions Centre, managed by Biles's adopted parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles. From 2017 to early 2024, Landi collaborated with Simone Biles. Biles directed Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver, as well as many world championships. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Leaving the center in 2024, Landi co-coached the Georgia Gymdogs, the University of Georgia's gymnastic team. The recent gift from Biles demonstrates that their relationship persists strong despite their professional division. Simone Biles speaks about her health struggles after Paris Olympics After her big wins at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles opened up about how hard the event was on her body. In a conversation shared by Biles said, 'I went back to the village, took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days.' She also shared that even after small activities with friends, her body ached for days. Also Read: Olympic Gold-Medalist Simone Biles Caught Up In Latest Controversy Around Trans-Athlete Debate Now 27 years old, Biles is not sure about competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. She said, 'A lot of people think it's just a one-year commitment, but it truly is the four years leading up to the Olympics. I'm not so sure. I want to enjoy life, be with my husband, and live as a woman.' Biles recently moved to Chicago with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens. She's been enjoying her time off and has also been seen at events like the MET Gala and the Kentucky Derby. Her next appearance will be at the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, this October. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Simone Biles' Husband Jonathan Owens Reacts to Hall of Fame News on Wednesday
Simone Biles' Husband Jonathan Owens Reacts to Hall of Fame News on Wednesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Simone Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens, have been making noise in the offseason, continuing to make a name for themselves as one of the most well-known couples in the sports entertainment industry. Advertisement Biles and Owens have attended the Met Gala, Kentucky Derby and several other events, showing off their bond at different events. On Wednesday, Owens took the time to spotlight another athlete. Jonathan Owens took to social media, sharing high praise for former New Orleans Saints star Tracy Porter. "OG," Owens said. Porter posted the initial announcement about his induction into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. "I am beyond grateful, appreciative, and blessed to have this honor," Porter said. "To everyone that supported me on this journey through the @nfl THANK YOU! And to the @saints and #WhoDatNation I love you forever! 🖤💛⚜️." Jonathan Owens, Instagram@jowens on Instagram Tracy Porter played for the New Orleans Saints from 2008 to 2011. He spent his first few seasons with the Saints, making a name for himself as a consistent contributor, serving as a starter for New Orleans from 2009 to 2011. Advertisement Porter also spent time with the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos. During his time in the NFL, Porter helped lead the Saints to a Super Bowl in 2010. United States gymnast Simone BilesDaniel Bartel-Imagn Images While Jonathan Owens may be fighting to be the best athlete in the family, with Simone Biles by his side, it's clear he's carving out a signifiant role with the Chicago Bears. In his most recent season with the Bears, Owens posted one forced fumble, one interception, two fumble recoveries, two pass deflections and 49 tackles. Related: Simone Biles Sends Message After Exciting Announcement with Jonathan Owens Related: Jonathan Owens' Behavior Toward Simone Biles at Kentucky Derby Catches Attention This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Simone Biles and Riley Gaines Feud: What We Know As Tension Escalates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Simone Biles and Riley Gaines have been involved in a public feud, and tension has escalated as MyKayla Skinner has inserted herself into the drama. Newsweek reached out to Skinner's representative via email for comment on Wednesday. The Context Biles is a record-breaking Olympic gymnast who gained attention in 2011 at national competitions. She won her first world title in 2013, and by 2015, she became the first woman to win three-straight world all-around titles. To date, the 28-year-old has 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold. Gaines, 25, is the host of Outkick's Gaines for Girls podcast. She's a former swimmer at the University of Kentucky and is an advocate against trans women in women's sports. What To Know The now-viral drama began on June 6 when Gaines reposted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, from the Minnesota State High School League's account. "Meet Champlin Park, the Class AAAA Softball State Champion for 2025," the post read. In response, Gaines said: "Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy." Multiple outlets reported that transgender athlete Marissa Rothenberger is a pitcher on the team. At the time of publication, Gaines' post garnered 33.1 million views, 98,000 likes and over 5,900 comments. (L) Simone Biles celebrates after finishing her routine during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Vault Final on day eight of the Paris Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena on August 3, 2024 in Paris, France. (R)... (L) Simone Biles celebrates after finishing her routine during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Vault Final on day eight of the Paris Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena on August 3, 2024 in Paris, France. (R) Riley Gaines visits "The Megyn Kelly Show" at the SiriusXM Studios on May 20, 2024 in New York City. More;Biles reacted to Gaines' message on X, writing: "@Riley_Gaines_ You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser." She added: "You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead... You bully them... One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!" Her post had 54.1 million views, 263,000 likes and 73,000 comments. Biles was referring to Gaines' 2022 race with the University of Pennsylvania athlete Lia Thomas, a trans woman. They tied for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle, and Gaines testified in Congress about fairness in women's sports. "Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_," Biles hit back in a separate post. "This is actually so disappointing," Gaines said in response. "It's not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces. You can uplift men stealing championships in women's sports with YOUR platform. Men don't belong in women's sports and I say that with my full chest." "And the subtle hint at 'body-shaming'???? Plzzzz I'm 5'5," the conservative political activist said. Biles is 4-foot-8. Biles later apologized for her remarks, telling her 1.9 million followers on X that she's "always believed competitive equity & inclusivity." "The current system doesn't adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn't help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for," she said. "These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don't have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect." Gaines accepted Biles apology. "She's still the greatest female gymnast of all time," she said. On June 13, Skinner—who was a former teammate of Biles at the Tokyo Olympics—weighed in on their social media exchange in a statement to One America News. "As an athlete who has dedicated years to a sport, I've always believed that true competition should elevate us—not diminish others. That's why it's deeply troubling to see @Simone_Biles publicly label a fellow female athlete a 'sore loser'—simply for expressing valid concerns about fairness in women's sports." Skinner later doubled down on her remarks about Biles in an interview with FOX News on June 16. "Throughout my career, there's been many times where I have been belittled and bullied by Simone and have wanted to keep quiet for the other athletes," the 28-year-old alleged. "I stand by Riley and for the amazing way that she is helping athletes to fight for women." Newsweek reached out to Biles' representative via email for comment on Wednesday. What People Are Saying The Biggest Loser star Jillian Michaels wrote on X: "@Simone_Biles While many appreciate your opinion maybe it's time to discuss the facts? If you are so confident have the courage to debate @Riley_Gaines_ on this topic. Litigate this honestly and with integrity. I want to provide this forum. While I agree with @Riley_Gaines_ unilaterally I am confident I can maintain a neutral stance to moderate this conversation." ESPN anchor Sage Steele said on X: "Easy to say this @Simone_Biles when you only had to compete against fellow women. Every one of your Olympic medals came competing against fellow women. @Riley_Gaines_ was not only forced to compete against a man, but forced to share a locker room with a man. THAT is SICK. Shocked and disappointed that you'd attack another woman who has done nothing but uplift other women. If YOU think it makes sense to create a league for trans people, go for it! Use that huge platform of yours! But to attack Riley for what she has done for little girls who want to be the next Simone Biles Conservative political commentator Tomi Lahren reshared a USA Today opinion piece on X: "Her greatness? She literally made fun of Riley Gaines' appearance!!! Yall fake stream media hacks really know how to stand up for real women, don't you?! Disgusting!!" Gymnast Sam Phillips wrote on X: "This whole fight between Riley and Simone is NULL & VOID because the basis of the right's attack is that she would lose medals in the men's gym category when in reality, she would actually STEAL GOLDS from LOTS of the best Male floor and vault workers. So their base is FLAWED... And Null and Void because Riley G.B. is in fact an evil spirited, loser mentality, unreliable, misinformed, hateful person." What Happens Next Biles has not yet responded to Skinner's bullying claims.
ITV News
3 days ago
- Sport
- ITV News
Local gymnastics club could lose access to £125,000 of Olympic equipment due to ownership dispute
Gymnastics equipment from the 2024 Olympic Games, gifted to a Jersey grassroots club, is at risk of being put into storage. Regent Gymnastics Club received the elite kit as a gift from the Independent Gymnastics Association (IGA) last November. Valued at around £125,000, the apparatus - which includes beams, bars, vaults, pommel horses, and flooring - was used in Paris last summer by stars such as Simone Biles and Max Whitlock. For the past seven months, it has been a key part of the club's regular training sessions, with the hope that it can catapult young athletes to similar levels of success. However, Fort Regent's forthcoming £110 million redesign means the club has to relocate and they have been told they will not be able to take the Olympic equipment with them. Jersey's Infrastructure Minister says the Government has to ensure the equipment at the island's new gymnastics centre in Oakfield meets relevant health and safety standards. Constable Andy Jehan adds they also want to ensure it can be accessed by all clubs who might want to use it, not just Regent Gymnastics. He says: "We want to be able to use the new facility as long and as often as we possibly can. We don't want to find ourselves in a position where people are telling us, 'You can't use that because that's our kit'. "We hope to maximise the space and take responsibility for insuring, maintaining, and inspecting the kit, so that's why we wanted to take ownership. "I understand we offered to buy the kit but were told in no uncertain terms it wasn't for sale." Instead, the Government has spent many thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money fitting the new Oakfield facility with apparatus from "the exact same manufacturer". However, the IGA say they gifted the equipment for the purpose of training future stars, donating it to Regent Gymnastics on the condition they used it to host international competitions and kept it in good condition. The Association's CEO, Chris Adams, says: "If the States of Jersey Government wants to use it in this new facility, all they've got to do is ring us up and say, 'Can we have the equipment there?' and we'd say, 'Absolutely'. "There's no charge for it. But nobody's emailed, nobody's picked up the phone, absolutely nothing." Regent Gymnastics echoes these sentiments, saying they have not been given clear reasons as to why the Government felt they had to buy the equipment for it to be safely used at Oakfield. The club's Head Coach, Julia Falle, adds: "It was gifted to the island - for the children, for the community, for gymnastics. "We've offered it to the Government for Oakfield and they don't want to go down that route, they want to own the equipment themselves, but I don't understand why." However, Constable Jehan insists: "The CEO [of the IGA] has not responded to emails from the department and officers have tried to find a solution. "We ultimately had to make an order for the kit and that is what has happened."
