Something I think many don’t really understand about today’s women’s #gymnastics is just how much better every single one of them is than they were just 16 years ago, and that still doesn’t touch #simonebiles She’s in another league.
Mary Lou Retton, America’s darling, competed in one olympics. She only won because Russia boycotted. At the time, Russia was in the gymnastics stratosphere. See 1988.
Simone Biles just competed in her 3rd olympics. She’s 27, and at her peak. She’s got more coming
I was a gymnast in the late 80’s - early 90’s. I remember the Russian’s, especially the men. They were doing crazy difficult stuff like Simone Biles, but the women’s Russian team was just good. We caught up and passed them pretty quick. We’ve had good women’s gymnastics since.
But now we have 3 repeat Olympians. That was really rare. Older women gymnasts just didn’t happen. This is a really new thing, and it’s probably the best part. They can keep getting better, every one of them!
I don’t see any reason Simone Biles can’t compete in two more Olympics. She’ll compete in at least one more.
Suni Lee is not slowing down either, and now we have Jordan Chiles and Hezley Rivera just getting going. Jade Carey has potential too, but she had a rough meet.
