Simone Biles poses with Leon Marchand as they close record-breaking campaigns at Paris Olympics 2024
Simone Biles was spotted in the company of French swimmer Leon Marchand after they both ended their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns on a high. Biles won three gold medals and a silver while Marchand won four gold medals and one bronze medal.
After their record-breaking performance in Paris, Biles and Marchand shared a light photo session. In a video shared by TODAY, Marchand is seen leaning towards Biles while posing for the photo. After the session, he extends a hand of gratitude to the American who expresses excitement to have taken the photo with the French swimmer.
"Thank you," Marchand said.
"You’re welcome, bye, of course," Biles replied.
The duo has enjoyed their Olympic campaigns with Marchand winning his maiden Olympic medals. He started his bid with the 200m breaststroke, claiming a gold before extending the winning streak to the 200m butterfly.
The 22-year-old then won the 200m and 400m medley races before clinching a bronze in the 4x100m medley. On top of winning medals, Marchand struck with Olympic records in the four individual competitions he won.
On her part, Simone Biles was impressive as she announced her comeback, winning three gold medals and a silver. She began her Olympic campaign with a dominant win for Team USA in the women’s artistic team all-around event.
Biles struck wins in the women’s artistic individual all-around and the vault routine before her silver medal on floor exercise. She narrowly missed a podium place in the women’s balance beam after falling and following a penalty for allegedly not saluting the judges after her round.
Simone Biles reflects on impeccable performance at Paris Olympics 2024
Simone Biles explained how she felt after ending her 2024 Paris Olympics campaign on a high note, winning three gold medals and one silver.
Speaking on the TODAY show, Biles noted that she did not have time to process her emotions and once she retires, she might have time to reflect on everything that happened in Paris. However, she noted that as she entered the Olympic Village; she was overwhelmed with emotion and broke down.
"I don’t think I will, until one day I decide to retire. But yesterday, once we got back to the village, I looked at Jordan [Chiles] and just started bawling my eyes out. And she was like, ‘I knew it was gonna happen. I just didn’t know when!'" Biles said.
"I think I was just so full of emotion and I finally released all of that. I was so proud, happy, bittersweet that the journey’s over. It’s so crazy, it happened to quick. My third Olympics!" she added.