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Simone Biles rocks GOAT necklace after winning gold: Here’s why

Simone Biles, of the United States, celebrates with her GOAT necklace after winning the gold medal during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Simone Biles showcased her diamond-encrusted GOAT necklace after winning the all-around gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a nod to her unrivaled accomplishments in the sport.

Biles is widely recognized as the ‘GOAT’ or ‘Greatest Of All Time’ in gymnastics and continues to set records and redefine her sport.

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How did Biles come to be known as the ‘GOAT’? Her career hit another milestone at the 2023 World Championships, where she became the only American gymnast to secure eight national titles. Her exceptional performances over the past decade have earned her the revered nickname and global admiration.

In a memorable moment, after clinching her latest gold, Biles sported a diamond-encrusted goat necklace, symbolizing her ‘GOAT’ status.

At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Biles added to her legacy by winning the all-around gold on August 1. This victory made her the first gymnast to win two non-consecutive titles and the first woman to claim two Olympic all-around gold medals since Vera Čáslavská in the 1960s.

READ MORE: Simone Biles makes history with second all-around Olympic gymnastics title, 8 years after her first

Simone Biles commissioned a GOAT necklace from Janet Heller Fine Jewelry, adorned with 546 diamonds, to symbolize her unparalleled status in gymnastics and a nod to her journey.

“Three years ago, I never thought I’d step foot on a gymnastics floor again just because of everything that had happened. But with the help of Cecile and Laurent (Landi), I got back in the gym and worked really hard, mentally and physically. Even this morning at 7 a.m., I saw my therapist and there’s a time change. So she is so amazing for allowing me to do that these couple of days here in Paris. So just making sure I’m mentally well, I think you see that out on the competition floor,” Biles told reporters after Thursday’s gold-medal performance.

“And then my goat necklace is just kind of an ode because the people love it, and then some people hate it. So it’s like the best of both worlds. And, I was like, okay, if it goes well, I’ll wear the goat necklace. I know people will go crazy over it, but at the end of the day, it is crazy that I am in the conversation of greatest of all athletes, because I just still think I’m Simone Biles from Spring, Texas that loves to flip.”

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Janet Heller Fine Jewelry crafted the iconic GOAT necklace for Biles.

Reflecting on her journey back to the sport, Biles shared the pivotal role her coaches and therapist played in her comeback

“Three years ago, I never thought I’d step foot on a gymnastics floor again just because of everything that had happened. But with the help of Cecile and Laurent (Landi), I got back in the gym and worked really hard, mentally and physically. Even this morning at 7 a.m., I saw my therapist and there’s a time change. So she is so amazing for allowing me to do that these couple of days here in Paris. So just making sure I’m mentally well, I think you see that out on the competition floor.”


About the Author

Holly joined the KPRC 2 digital team in March 2024, leveraging her eight years of expertise in blogging and digital content to share her passion for Houston. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the city's vibrant scenes, all while balancing her roles as a wife and mother to two toddlers.

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