Every four years, I’m shocked by how much my personal morale is boosted simply by watching the greatest athletes on the planet get together to show how much they love what they do on a world stage. The 2024 Paris Olympics have already been incredibly inspiring, and I’m not just talking about that badass sharpshooter making me want to buy more pairs of tiny sunglasses. The United States Women’s Gymnastics Team has provided no shortage of exciting highs (pun intended) but their success has not been contained to the mat. After a certain former teammate/current hater called out Team USA for their supposed lack of work ethic, Simone Biles clapped back after the team won the Artistic Gymnastics gold in Paris. Women who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and back up their words when the pressure is on? Get these girls an award — oh wait, they already did that. We’ve gone ahead and gathered all the best advice from US Women’s Gymnastics Team to help you vault over the next obstacles life sends your way like a pro.
“Our normal is good enough” – Team USA
From Coach Laurent Landi to uneven bars wizard Suni Lee, Team USA’s 2024 mantra has focused on who the team already is, not what they need to become to be great. Landi told reporters, “We know if they do their normal gymnastics, it should be good enough.” Evidence of this is how Suni gets in the right headspace before her big events. When she starts spiraling with, “Oh my gosh, I don’t think I can do this. I don’t think I can do this” panic mode, she reminds herself, “You’ve done literally everything you have possibly could have done to be able to be in this moment… you need to go out there and just do what you normally do.” It’s so true: when you’ve already put in the work, succeeding in high-pressure moments comes from continuing to exist as you already are. I’m going to need Suni to pump me up before my next first date, pitch meeting, and everything in between, please, and thank you.
“I don’t keep count” – Simone Biles
In a post-meet interview, Simone shared that she doesn’t “keep count” or “keep stats.” Instead, she just ” out here and what supposed to.” As an Olympic grudge-holder myself, I deeply understand the natural human inclination to keep score in both professional and personal relationships. But as Simone says, if you’re keeping your side of the street clean, and accomplishing what you need to get done, then worrying about micromanaging the performance yourself or others along the way is kind of a waste of time. Simone also shared that one of her keys to success is starting off big days with therapy because mental health is health. Louder for the people in the back!!
“I always have fun” – Jordan Chiles
When speaking with People about Team USA’s “Face Set. Mind Set” collaboration with Milani Cosmetics, silver and gold medalist Jordan Chiles shared her go-to confidence affirmation. Jordan reminds herself, “‘I’m Jordan, I’m this cool and amazing spunky girl. I always have fun. I go out there and do everything that I need to do.” Mwah, no bars. Also, I’ll be saying “Face set. Mind set” after I douse myself in setting spray before every day drink for the rest of the summer.
“It is frustrating to have to go backwards, but it is part of this sport” – Jade Carey
Overthinking perfectionists, raise your hands! Jade Carey, who has been noted by commentators as the “understated personality” of the core four, isn’t afraid to use her voice to speak about overcoming previous falls. When talking about experiencing the twisties during training with Elle, Jade said she takes the bad days/weeks/years with the good because going backward is actually a normal part of the sport. For those of us who always want to score 100%, it’s nice to remember progress is not linear. Even for the baddest bitches in the Olympic Games.
