GYMNASTICS ‘Dipa has inspired Indian kids’

The most decorated gymnast in US history and Olympic champion Simone Biles, who won four gold medals at Rio 2016, heaped praise on Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar.

Biles, while applauding Dipa’s contribution to gymnastics, said that the Indian has inspired other kids in India to take up the sport.

“I didn’t speak to her too much at the Olympics, but I do know what she has done for the sport in India is remarkable,” said Biles in a chat.

“I know she has inspired a lot of kids to be just like her and that means a lot. She’s a very exciting talent and it’s amazing to see her make history in our sport.”

Dipa became a household name in India after she pulled off the dangerous Produnova manoeuvre to finish fourth in the women’s vault finals in Rio de Janeiro. The Produnova is considered extremely risky and has been performed successfully by only five people in the world.

Biles, who has been nominated for the Laureus world sportswoman of the year, praised Dipa for her courage but said she may not ever try to pull off the Produnova.

“I think certain people stick to certain things that they want to do. I don’t see myself doing the Produnova in the future.”

The 19-year-old, who was adopted by her maternal grandfather at age three as her mother was addicted to drugs, said it’s not her difficult childhood but the love for the sport that drives her.

“To me, it was just falling in love with gymnastics and seeing how far I could take it with myself. Where I was going was more important than where I came from.”

With 19 Olympic and World Championship medals against her name, life has changed quite a lot for the teenage sensation and Biles admitted that she’s living the dream.

“Yes, my life has changed quite a lot since the Rio Olympics. Everywhere I go people recognise me. As a little girl you always want to visit the White House. But it was amazing to have the opportunity to visit the White House and meet President Obama.”

The next Olympics are still far away but Biles feels it’s important to stay consistent and be mentally ready for upcoming challenges.

“It’s important to maintain the same standard, because I feel like every four years, they do make gymnastics a little bit harder by changing the rule book. Another important aspect is being mentally ready.”

It’s important to maintain the same standard, because I feel like every four years, they do make gymnastics a little bit harder by changing the rule book

SIMONE BILES