Remember last year when Simone Biles went out of her way to help her German rival, Sarah Voss, and her teammates secure a spot on an overcrowded bus heading to the Bercy Arena? With no seats left, Biles rose, quite literally, to give them space, becoming a quiet hero in that moment. Voss later praised her on Instagram, writing, “Not only standing up for herself and her mental health, but also fighting for us to get a seat on the overly packed bus to the arena.” Fast forward a year, and Voss is back in the headlines, but this time, the news isn’t quite as uplifting.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the two-time Olympian stated that it’s time for her to retire from the sport, as her body is no longer able to compete at the highest level. “Thank you, great sport. Thank you for everything. A chapter in life is coming to an end. I ended my career as a performance gymnast with a crying and a smiling eye.”

She further added, “Gymnastics has shaped me, carried me, and gifted me endlessly, but now it’s time to let go. I am deeply grateful for all that I have been able to experience, and I have a lot more to come. I want to take you along on my new path. I want to share my experiences — the beautiful and the difficult — because I believe that the greatest power lies in our openness. Gymnastics will forever be a part of me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Voss’ body simply couldn’t handle the intense workouts anymore after her battle with a long-term Lyme disease infection. And its consequences have left her unable to push her body to the limit. If you remember last year, while in Paris, she posted a photo of herself on her Instagram handle with a caption that read, “Feeling tired and sad. Definitely not the outcome I had hoped for but definitely the most I could do in my situation.”

She highlighted that, despite being in Paris, she was suffering from chronic Lyme disease while preparing for the Paris Games. Although she never won an Olympic medal, she left behind a legacy that will inspire the younger generations in her country. Her mindset in competitions was solid even after tremendous suffering. “After all being in an Olympic final, calling myself a two-time Olympian and Olympic allaround finalist is something I am really proud of! Getting to experience this atmosphere and those brave and strong women is something I will never forget!” Not everyone can reach the Olympic stage, but reaching there while fighting such a terrible disease is something that the stage will never forget about Voss. Her greatest international success came at the 2022 European Championships in Munich, where she won bronze in the team all-around.

Her Paris Olympics days were tough, but the presence of Simon Biles really made her go all the way to compete.

Voss was awestruck by Simone Biles’ gestures

Simone Biles might be the biggest competitor for many, but that doesn’t stop her from having a heart of gold. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, when everyone was competing for the medals, Biles won hearts with her gesture for Sarah Voss and her teammates at the bus. The German athlete was touched by her kindness and took to her Instagram handle to thank her.

Voss praised the American star for stepping in to help them reach their destination, but also pointed out the current challenges of navigating Paris. Reflecting on the situation, the German gymnast remarked, “The ride took 45 minutes, and unfortunately, some of the non-athletes showed no intention of offering us any space.” 

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In addition to her admiration, Voss also shared a heart-shaped pin adorned with Biles’ signature, showcasing her affection for the accomplished athlete. Despite being one of the most famous figures in the world of gymnastics, Biles cared enough about her fellow competitors to ensure their comfort. This simple gesture only deepened the respect she commands in the Olympic community. Now, with Voss retiring from the sport, she will carry with her the memory of Biles’ kindness—who knows, she might even repay it someday.