"See my face crumple as I fight back tears" - When Simone Biles opened up about her major falter during beam balance in front of Marta Karolyi

Simone Biles reflected on the balance beam slip-up she suffered in front of Marta Karolyi in her autobiography published in 2016. The incident occurred during the 2013 American Cup held in Worchester.

In her autobiography Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, Biles reflected on her balance beam routine at the 2013 American Cup, when did made her senior international debut. Biles started her balance beam routine looking overwhelmed.

Halfway through the routine, she performed a double back handspring layout series but went tumbling sideways. For a moment after the fall, Biles stood still before collecting herself to continue the routine. Reflecting on the moment, she recalled feeling worried about how coach Karolyi would react.

"You can actually see my face crumple as I fight back tears," Simone wrote. "I remember standing there thinking, 'You just fell off the beam on national TV. Your first assignment. You're doomed, Simone. And the next thought: What is Martha going to say to you after the meet? Oh my gosh, you're going to be in so much trouble. At first, that's all I could think about - how mad Martha was going to be, how disappointed. Fortunately, the thought that came on the heels of that one saved me: Oh, snap! You've got a routine to finish! Get back up on that beam!"

Simone Biles started training under Karolyi after the latter invited the legendary gymnast to her first developmental camp at the Karolyi Ranch in New Waverly, Texas. Biles trained under her until the former coach retired in 2016 following the Rio Olympics.

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Simone Biles weighs in on her decision to continue gymnastics

Simone Biles of Team United States at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Getty Images)

After being named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, Simone Biles reflected on her accomplishments and weighed in on the choice to continue the sport. Aware that returning to the sport could be driven by greed, Biles highlighted the difficulty in balancing her career and personal life, knowing it would require sacrifices.

"I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done."

Biles added:

"If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences. But that’s also your decision to decide. What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”

Following her Paris Olympic heroics, Simone Biles became the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast.