By Rory Carroll
PARIS (Reuters) – Simone Biles will lead a U.S. gymnastics squad eager to reclaim their team title at the Paris Olympics and put the memory of the tumultuous Tokyo Games behind them, coach Chellsie Memmel told reporters on Tuesday.
Biles withdrew from several events three years ago in Tokyo due to mental health issues and the favoured U.S. team were forced to settle for silver behind Russia.
Since returning from a two-year break from the sport, the 27-year-old is once again dominating competitions and is mentally and physically sound in the lead-up to her third Games.
“Simone has been doing great,” said Memmel, the team’s technical lead.
“She’s been solid in training since Katy, Texas and seems to be in a really great place.
“She’s a great leader for this team and together they are really looking forward to the competition. It is kind of their redemption tour.”
Four of the five gymnasts from the last Games – Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisha Lee and Biles – are back and will be joined by 16-year-old first-time Olympian Hezly Rivera.
Although Biles is the clear leader, Memmel said the coaching staff has been careful not to put too many expectations on the four-times Olympic champion’s shoulders.
“We don’t say to her that she is keeping us all together and we’re relying on you and you alone,” Memmel said.
“I’ve had the conversation with (head coach) Cecile (Landi) already about team finals and what the expectation for Simone is,” she said.
“If she doesn’t feel like it’s going to be in her best interest to do all four events that day, is that an option for her? Absolutely.
“If that’s what she needs to continue to be at her best for her team and for herself, that’s what we’re going to do because there are still four members on our team.”
The five-person team was selected after a tough Olympic trials featuring injuries to Skye Blakely, Shilese Jones and Kayla DiCello, and Memmel said that painful experience helping bring the athletes closer together.
“I’m really proud of this team with everything they’ve gone through already seeing team mates get injured,” she said.
“I want them to get through this and be happy, healthy and proud of what they accomplish no matter what the outcome is.
“I want them to be proud and to look back and say I’m so glad I had this experience.”
(Reporting by Rory Carroll, editing by Ed Osmond)
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