If the Paris Olympics had a theme, it would be “comeback.” The sense of normalcy after Tokyo’s largely amended agenda in 2021, devoid of fans and laced with stringent pandemic-era restrictions. Celine Dion’s triumphant return to the stage, as she closed out the opening ceremony with a glittering and emotional rendition of Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l’amour.” Public health and artful performances aside, however, these Olympics marked the culmination of comeback campaigns for some of Team USA’s most prominent athletes.
Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Sha’Carri Richardson. Two gymnasts and a sprinter, each of whom has held a central role in our domestic success at the Olympics thus far (the U.S. currently leads with the most gold medals won) and in drawing a global audience to their screens. For all that distinguishes them athletically, there’s one commonality that Biles, Lee and Richardson share in earnest — their redemption tour.
