Simone: With everything that I’ve done and been through, I do feel like it gives me more confidence. But since I am older, I am a little bit more afraid.

[dramatic music playing] 

Simone:We’re heading to Paris. This is wild. We’re stronger. We’re smarter. But an Olympic year is stressful. There’s a lot of emotions rather than just gymnastics. You never know what’s gonna happen. You feel like you’re gonna throw up, cry, pee yourself, like, just all the things. I’ve worked 27 years for this. Since I’m older, my body is on a ticking time bomb. Whenever I’m, like, out on the streets, I’m young. But in the gym, I’m, like … [breathes heavily] My calf or something just pulled like all the way.

Commentator 1: Is this a case of déjà vu?

Woman: After the competition, they asked, “How did you do it in so much pain?” And she said, “I couldn’t have people tell me I was a quitter again.”

Commentator 2: It was on this apparatus where the problems began in Tokyo.

[suspenseful music playing]

[dramatic music playing]

Simone: Nothing sets your heart on fire like being so determined for a goal and you to have one chance at it. I see a different person. And I’m happy with the person that I see. We wanna be the most human we can be with each other because it’s hard being in the public eye.

[cheers]

Simone: The goal is to win the Olympics. And then after that, we’ll see. Shh, ’cause I’m only telling you guys. [laughs]

Announcer: Everyone, take a deep breath.

[dramatic music continues]