[ad_1]
Lille, France: Three-time gold medalist Kevin Durant said he was amazed by Simone Biles when he finally got the chance to watch her compete live, praising her skill level for inspiring him to become a better athlete.
On Thursday, members of the U.S. men’s basketball team were among a host of celebrities heading to the Bessie Arena to watch Biles perform in the women’s all-around gymnastics final.
“Meeting Simeone is probably the happiest thing for me right now,” the Phoenix Suns forward and NBA MVP said after Saturday’s win over Puerto Rico, the team’s final game of the group stage that clinched the top spot in Group C. They will face Brazil in the quarterfinals.
“I’ve never seen gymnastics like this up close. Of course I’ve seen it on TV, but it’s something different to see it live.”
“It’s amazing to see her and the other girls put so much time and effort into their careers and what they’ve achieved.”
Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, won her third gold medal in Paris on Saturday, which means she will have a chance to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Although her physical and mental health have been under scrutiny since she withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics, Durant praised her for being so outspoken following the announcement on social media.
“Yeah, she inspires me to keep tweeting and keep doing what I’m doing on the court,” he said.
“When people see so much potential in you at such a young age, you’re favored like that, and she’s experienced that at the highest level.
“She’s stepping up every day to showcase her talent while also letting people know that the people who are against her sound crazy. It’s inspiring to be able to do both,” Durant added.
Durant is expected to win a fourth gold medal, joining LeBron James, who currently has two golds and a bronze, as the only American men to win four Olympic basketball medals.
[ad_2]
Source link
