The rise of U.S. gymnastics stars Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey represents one of the most compelling stories in modern sports. Beyond their Olympic medals and world records, their journeys are defined by resilience, mutual support, and the ability to thrive under extraordinary pressure.
The Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics
The quartet’s story is as much about perseverance as it is about podium finishes. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, delayed and isolated by the pandemic, Biles made the unprecedented decision to withdraw from the women’s team final and four individual finals to focus on her mental health. Despite the shock, her teammates stepped up to deliver a silver medal, a gesture of solidarity and respect.
“We honestly did this for her,” Jordan Chiles reflected, highlighting the collective spirit that defines Team USA gymnastics.
Simone Biles’ absence unexpectedly placed the spotlight on younger gymnasts. Suni Lee rose to claim the all-around gold, while Jade Carey qualified for her first global all-around final. Even as Carey faced the pressure of competing on the world stage, Biles’ mentorship proved pivotal.
“I remember when everything was happening with Simone [Biles in Tokyo], and I was maybe going into the all-around final. I was freaking out because I’d never done anything like that before,” Carey shared. “Simone came to my room and was like, ‘Hey, I can’t do this, but you can.’”
Carey went on to finish eighth in the all-around and secured her first Olympic gold on floor exercise — a defining moment that exemplified Simone Biles’ influence both on and off the mat.
The power of support: Building confidence together
The emotional support among the U.S. gymnasts extended beyond Tokyo. Suni Lee, despite her historic win, wrestled with feelings of imposter syndrome in the years following her all-around gold. Heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics, Biles and Chiles recognized Lee’s need for encouragement.
“Simone was like, ‘You need to realise who you are! You won this gold medal [the Tokyo all-around title] because you are an amazing athlete. You need to stand on that and believe in that and go out there and compete and act like it,’” Lee recalled.
This guidance reinforced the culture of mentorship and camaraderie that has become a hallmark of Team USA gymnastics.
Beyond Medals: Crafting a legacy
The rise of Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles isn’t solely about medals, titles, or technical prowess. It’s about the moments they’ve shown up for each other, proving that even elite athletes need support. Their stories highlight resilience, mental fortitude, and the transformative power of teamwork — traits that have cemented their status as global icons in gymnastics and sport at large.
On World Mental Health Day, their journey serves as a reminder that true greatness extends beyond competition. It lies in the empathy, encouragement, and shared victories that define both their careers and legacies.