Around the globe, anticipation is mounting, with less than five months remaining until the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the gymnastics world, fans are eagerly awaiting the spectacular showdowns from the world’s finest gymnasts on the pinnacle stage. Big names are set to dominate the floor, but the biggest among them is Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history.
Her return to the Olympic stage, following the tumultuous Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has fans ecstatic to see her proudly waving the American flag once again. And amidst the throngs of admirers stands the “Unofficial Den Mother of USA Gymnastics.”
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Simone Biles’ dominance at the 2024 Paris Olympics predicted months in advance
In an Instagram post by The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie from the Today Show made a guest appearance. Renowned for their camaraderie and iconic showbiz entertainment perspectives, the hosts were captivated as Jimmy Fallon queried them about their plans for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Overflowing with excitement, Hoda Kotb exclaimed, “Ya’ll, we are going to dominate gymnastics,” getting wild cheers from the crowd. Jimmy Fallon chimed in, highlighting Simone Biles’ return, further igniting the excitement of both the ladies and the audience. Amidst the thrilled atmosphere, Hoda Kotb shared, “This is going to be Simone’s chapter. Like, I feel like she’s going to be incredible.”
Notably, in the past, Simone Biles had hinted at her Olympic aspirations in a 2023 conversation with Hoda, sharing, “That’s the path I would love to go,” making Hoda’s presence as their biggest cheerleader all the more heartwarming. As we reflect on this moment, let us find out why Hoda was affectionately dubbed the “unofficial den mother of USA Gymnastics.”
Why is Hoda Kotb called the “den mother of USA Gymnastics”?
Savannah Guthrie narrated on the Tonight Show how Hoda Kotb and she both went to Tokyo and Beijing to report on the Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoda loves the USA gymnastics team, and Savannah Guthrie shared, “Hoda is like the unofficial den mother of USA Gymnastics.” This even got the endearing host in trouble as the events were held amidst the pandemic, preventing athletes’ parents and family members from attending.
Despite the challenges, Hoda was moved to offer hugs to the gymnasts who couldn’t be with their families. However, the Japanese organizers, who were hosting the Olympics, didn’t like that idea. Savannah Guthrie laughingly imitated them, saying, “Tell that woman to stop hugging the athletes.”
With the Paris Olympics scheduled from July 27 to August 5, 2024, excitement grows to see Simone Biles grace the pinnacle stage once more. And as fans await her return, they also hope to see the spirited two hosts, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, cheering on the athletes with enthusiasm.
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Edited by
Sampurna Pal