(ATR) Gymnast Simone Biles reveals the Tokyo Olympics might not be her last.
Biles is one of dozens of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians who are talking to the media this week on the eve of the 100-days to go mark for the postponed Tokyo Games. The pandemic that led to that postponement has also changed the way the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee presents the customary Team USA Media Summit. For the first time, the three-day summit is a virtual one, with athletes and reporters spread out across the U.S. and beyond.
While Biles mentioned the possibility of returning for Paris 2024, she also shared thoughts on using her platform to speak out against social injustices.
"But now that I kind of found my voice, I feel like not only can it benefit me, the team and the people that I'm supporting and advocating for, but it kind of helps everybody and people get to see a little bit of who you are just besides an athlete and what you stand for. And I think that's really neat," the five-time Olympic medalist told reporters.
The USOPC announced it would not require athletes to get vaccinated in order to compete in Tokyo 2020, but it's on the to-do list for Tokyo-bound Allyson Felix.
"I haven’t been vaccinated yet. As soon as I am eligible I am definitely going to be vaccinated. I am not too concerned about anything training wise, I am just waiting for the opportunity." said the four-time Olympian.
The 35 year old made her Olympic debut for Athens 2004, and has since collected six Olympic gold medals and three silvers in the 200 meters, 400 meters, and several relays.
Felix also said the Tokyo Olympic Games would be her fifth and final Olympic Games. "I do plan for this to be my final Olympics, I don't know how much further than this year. I'm going to take it as it comes as far as that, I don't see myself doing another Olympics. I haven't laid out an end date yet." Felix told reporters.
The United States women’s national soccer team seeks to reclaim their title as champions after facing defeat to Sweden in Rio 2016. Two time Olympian Megan Rapinoe tells reporters "We have very high standards for the team, which is championship or, you know, it’s total failure."
The final two days will consist of more press conferences with athletes across the disciplines, and will also feature Kolohe Andino and Carissa Moore making their surfing debut on the Olympic program.
April 14 marks 100 days until the Tokyo Olympic Games and May 16 marks 100 days until the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Written by Greer Wilson
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