It is undeniable that Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all time, is a fierce competitor on the mat. But when faced with an unlikely competitor and GRAMMY award-winning artist, will Simone come out on top?
Simone was joined by SZA, a four-time GRAMMY award winner and former gymnast, for an intimate conversation for NBC Sports about their journeys in gymnastics, music, and everything in between.
The pair met at the World Champions Centre training facility in Spring, Texas, where they were able to chat and compete amongst the balance beams and uneven bars in true Simone-fashion.
After SZA expressed her admiration for the three-time Olympian, describing Simone as “[her] wildest dreams”, she was challenged to a handstand contest, which proved to highlight the competitive fire in both women.
“I’m scared to lose,” SZA admitted before stretching next to Simone.
The “SOS” artist went on to explain her progression from competitive gymnastics to a career in music; sharing,“I needed something to be competitive at.”
Simone named their face-off “the SZA Olympics” after the musician outlasted her by mere seconds in a handstand contest. The duo walked around on their hands for nearly 15 seconds before succumbing to gravity, laughing and challenging each other for the entirety of the competition.
Much like SZA, the rest of the U.S. is looking forward to standing behind Simone as she competes in her third Olympic Games next month in Paris, where she is heavily favored to take home her second all-around gold.
In the words of SZA, we “have never seen anything like [Simone], no one has.”
Watch the 2024 Paris starting July 26 on NBC and Peacock.
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