“Don’t Really Talk to Them”: Simone Biles Claimed Russians Were Intimated by US Team During an Interview in 2015

Simone Biles made herself a household name when she hoisted the American Flag at the Olympics. Biles is a gymnastics GOAT who has won four gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze for her country in the Olympic games.

The 25-year-old gymnast rose to fame in 2013 when she was just 16. In an old interview, Biles opened up about the relationship between the Russian and the American team. Biles talked about why the teams did not speak to each other.

Simone Biles reveals what intimidated the Russian team

In 2015, NBC Sports asked Simone Biles about her relationship with the Russian team. Simone responded that the teams don’t talk to each other. The gymnastics giant felt that the presence of Martha Karolyi daunted the Russian team.

Simone Biles said, “We don’t really talk to them. I think some of them are maybe intimidated by us because Martha.” Martha Karolyi was the national team coordinator for the USA at that time.

READ MORE: “Removed From All Civilization”: Simone Biles’ Head Coach Martha Karolyi’s Brutal Gymnastics Camp Unveiled by Former US Gymnasts Once

Martha Karolyi and her husband, Bela Karolyi, owned the Karolyi Ranch, where they trained the US Gymnasts. Simone Biles and other gymnasts have frequently expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment at the Karolyi Ranch.

The gymnasts weren’t treated well at the Ranch

Biles claimed that under the supervision of Martha Karolyi, the gymnasts were constantly under pressure to improve their performance. At times the gymnasts were humiliated for their weight and size in front of everyone.

Moreover, there was often a shortage of food at the camp. The meals provided were heavily rationed and inaccessible to the players. Biles also admitted to stealing food from the camp when everyone was asleep. Biles said, “There would be nights where we’re, like, running with our hoodie up, and we would break into the cafeteria to eat.”

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There were also times when the gymnasts were misinformed about the seriousness of their injuries. Biles also spoke about the abuse the gymnasts suffered at the hands of Dr. Larry Nassar. The USA Gymnastics Committee later shut it down in 2018.

Even after having a hard time during her training years, Biles managed to be where she is today. What do you feel about the resilience that Biles showed during her career? Tell us in the comments!