Elaine Loughlin: Simone Biles inspires a generation by taking the Olympics on her own terms

Gymnast's resilience and determination act as inspiration for our future female doctors, scientists, politicians, teachers, and journalists to go out there, push boundaries, and ultimately to change the world

Simone Biles after winning gold at the Paris Olympics on Thursday. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

We've had Swiftie mania and brat summer, but 2024 should be dubbed the year of Simone Biles.

You don’t need Olympic ambitions to be captivated to obsessive levels by her terrifying ability. Her explosive Yurchenko-style vault, with two flips in a pike position, is one of five skills named after her which no other female athlete has attempted in competition.