Shortly After Simone Biles’ Stand for Sarah Voss, Gymnast Suffers Life-Threatening Scare at Paris Olympics

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Simone Biles doesn’t just win gold; she has a heart of gold. Even her pins handed out at the Paris Olympics reflect this. Though she was everyone’s biggest contender at the Team Finals and the All-Around event, a small gesture meant so much to Germany’s Sarah Voss. But while Simone made history on the podium at the Bercy Arena, the days continued to be a struggle for the 2019 and 2022 German all-around national champion, Sarah Voss!

In a post on Instagram on August 2nd, Sarah Voss shared some heartbreaking news. She posted an image of herself and shared, “Feeling tired and sad. Definitely not the outcome I had hoped for but definitely the most I could do in my situation.” She had been dealing with chronic Lyme disease.

She opened up, “Enduring several weeks/ months of crazy pains, fatigue, constant brain fog, neck and joint pains and headaches, which required several weeks of medical treatments in the hospital, was definitely not the ideal preparation towards my second Olympic Games. Still it’s something that holds me back from performing at my best.”

Despite this, she was proud to have been an Olympic finalist and to have called herself a two-time Olympian and Olympic all-around finalist. The experience of being in the Olympic final and witnessing the bravery and strength of other women was unforgettable for her. Sarah thanked everyone who supported her journey, especially her loved ones, acknowledging that she couldn’t have achieved this without them. Sarah ended her note by saying, “Getting to experience this atmosphere and those brave and strong women is something I will never forget!” So, how did the competition unfold for Sarah Voss?

Well, Germany wrapped up in 13th place during the qualifications. While the team didn’t snag a full spot for the 2024 Olympics, Voss clinched an individual berth as the highest-placing eligible gymnast on floor exercise—talk about shining in a tough spot! In the Individual All-Around finals, Voss hit the Floor Exercise first, scoring 12.866, and then took on the vault with a 12.500.

Next up were the uneven bars, where she posted a 12.333, followed by the balance beam with a 12.300. Despite a valiant effort, Sarah Voss finished 22nd overall with a total of 49.999. It’s been a rollercoaster, but she certainly made an impression, proving that even in the face of challenges, she’s got the heart of a champion. Amidst these struggles and her heartfelt praise for the sport’s camaraderie, Sarah Voss also experienced an unexpected warm gesture from Simone Biles!

Simone Biles nailed sportsmanship at the Paris Olympics, proving her heart is as golden as her medals, as noted by Sarah Voss!

On July 26th, German gymnast Sarah Voss took to her Instagram story to share how the American icon came forward unexpectedly when the German gymnastics team struggled to reach the arena. The 2022 European Championships team medalist shared Biles’ Paris Olympics pin and penned, “Not only standing up for herself and her mental health but also fighting for us to get a seat (on) the overly packed bus toward the arena.”

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While Voss commended the USA star for her efforts to help them reach their destination, the German also noted how Paris isn’t the most visitor-friendly place right now. “It was a 45-minute ride, and some non-athletes didn’t intend to make a move for us,” frowned the German. But thanks to the gymnastics GOAT and now 6-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, they were able to be comfortable, showcasing the camaraderie that truly exists within the sport.

Despite being one of the most popular athletes, Biles cared enough about her fellow competitors to ensure their comfort, proving that even at the top, compassion remains paramount. Simone was not only a perfect cheerleader for Suni Lee and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, but she also took a moment out of her routine to admire French-Algerian gymnast Kaylia Nemour, shouting “Come on!” in appreciation.

Biles’s warmth and support, both on and off the mat, go beyond her stellar performances, leaving a lasting impression on competitors like Sarah Voss and many others. What do you think about this sweet moment and Biles’ genuine affection for her fellow athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!