Mary Lou Retton praised Simone Biles as the GOAT (greatest of all time) of gymnastics while making a bold prediction for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Retton spoke with ET about Biles’ prospects as she prepares to represent the Stars and Stripes in France in July.
When asked if Biles will emerge victorious at the Olympics, Retton told ET: “No doubt. Everyone is going to be watching women’s gymnastics to see who comes second, really.
After jokingly calling her “super weird,” Retton gushed about Biles’ talent and athleticism.
“You can’t teach what kind of talent you have,” Retton said. ‘The only thing missing is gold bullion. I think that’s his motivation. His body doesn’t have many wounds, he’s just very strong.
Mary Lou Retton praised Simone Biles as the ‘GOAT’ of gymnastics ahead of the Paris Olympics
Retton praised Biles and stated that people will watch the games to “see who comes second”
Retton became the first American to win the gold medal in gymnastics in 1984.
With seven Olympic medals, four of them gold, Biles is the most decorated gymnast
Retton became the first American woman to win the gold medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, a feat that propelled her to national stardom.
In the same interview, he recalled meeting Biles and her family before she fulfilled her potential and became the biggest star in sports. Years later, Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history.
Biles owns seven Olympic medals, four of which are gold. He impressively won all four gold medals (team, all-around, vault and floor) at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“Before his first Olympics, his parents are wonderful, and I called them and said, ‘If you ever need advice or help,'” Retton shared. ‘I told him: ‘She’s going to be great.’ And it will be overwhelming. And you really won’t know where to go or where to turn.”
After noting the difference between their experiences, Retton praised the positive changes in women’s sports, saying, “I’m glad that progress has been made that way, especially in women’s sports.” We are taking tremendous steps. “We need to win more, especially in the pros.”
When asked if he would attend the games, Retton expressed his desire to go. However, he had not decided to face the long flight in the midst of his health battle.
Retton suffered a “terrifying” lung-related emergency in October 2023, in which she was left “deprived of oxygen” to her brain. The near-fatal episode left Retton with permanent scars on her lungs and she had to rely on an oxygen tank.