Simone Biles’ Mom Is ‘Praying That She Stays Safe’ During the Gymnast’s High-Flying Routines

No matter how many times she watches her daughter, even Nellie Biles gets nervous when the G.O.A.T. flies through the air.

“All I’m thinking about and praying for is that she stays safe and that she ends that routine,” Simone Biles’ mother — who recently witnessed the gymnast win her ninth national championship earlier this month — told Today. “I could hardly wait for it to be over with.”

The most decorated gymnast of all time picked up five medals at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships where she was named to the national team, and will compete at the 2024 Olympic Team Trials from June 27-30 in Minneapolis. Afterwards, five gymnasts will be named to the U.S. team roster for the Paris Olympics.

With Simone’s selection more of a foregone conclusion, Nellie is looking forward to the summer Games — but can’t help but look back on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were difficult for her daughter.

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“It was devastating,” Nellie said, regarding Simone’s withdrawal from competition after she had a bout of the twisties. “After her vaulting, she called me and then mentioned that she couldn’t do it anymore. My words to Simone was, 'Don’t do it. Don’t feel like you need to push yourself because that’s the last thing I need is to see you injure yourself on television and I’m not going to be there.' ”

With COVID impacting the Tokyo Olympics, the Biles family was unable to offer emotional support in person — something that will be in abundance in Paris.

“The important thing is to be there for Simone and making sure that she understands that her family is there giving her her full support,” Nellie said. “And I am going to be really happy and probably shedding a few tears just because I’m going to be so emotional.”