Simone Biles’dominance in gymnastics is undeniable, but even the GOAT can have a little fun outside of the competition floor. During rehearsals for the Gold Over America Tour (GOAT Tour), Biles and her teammates took a break from their routine to participate in the viral “Gymnast Grip Test.” What started as a lighthearted challenge quickly turned into a viral sensation, with fans getting a peek into the playful side of these elite athletes.
The “Gymnast Grip Test” first made waves during the Paris Olympics, becoming a social media hit as athletes from various sports put their grip strength to the test using a Dynamometer Hand Grip Measurement Meter. Notable gymnasts like Félix Dolci and Kristina Teachout took part, showcasing how the challenge reveals the varied strengths of athletes in different disciplines. It wasn’t long before the challenge made its way to the Gold Over America Tour, with Simone Biles’ team jumping on the bandwagon.
The challenge was spearheaded by Ian Gunther, a four-time NCAA champion and popular content creator who is part of the GOAT Tour alongside Biles. He introduced the “Gymnast Grip Strength Challenge ” during a rehearsal break, and it quickly turned into an amusing competition among the team. The challenge brought plenty of laughs, but the real entertainment came when the results started rolling in.
In a moment no one expected, Simone Biles posted a grip strength score of 60 lbs. For someone who’s earned the title of the greatest gymnast of all time, her reaction was priceless: “Oh, that’s so weak!” Biles’ teammate, Paul Juda, however, couldn’t resist taking a playful jab. He smashed the challenge with a 100 lbs grip strength and teased Biles with a lighthearted, “40 more than the GOAT,” sending everyone into fits of laughter.
Biles, always a good sport, laughed off the teasing in the comments, writing, “I’m embarrassed hahahahaahahaha,” but also offered a humorous defense: “To be fair, that’s more than half my body weight, soooooooo I’ll take it.” With her signature smile and humility, Biles showed that even legends can embrace the lighter moments.
Olympians Jade Carey and Joscelyn Roberson join the fun as Paul Juda reflects on Simone Biles’ greatness
The challenge didn’t stop with Biles. Fellow Olympians Jade Carey and Joscelyn Roberson joined in the fun, posting respectable scores of 59 lbs and 74 lbs, respectively. But it was the men who turned the heat up, with Ian Gunther posting an impressive 129 lbs grip and Brody Malone stealing the show with a jaw-dropping 159 lbs grip.
Despite all the fun, Paul Juda took a moment to reflect on what truly makes Simone Biles the queen of gymnastics. Recently, Juda competed in the US Olympic Trials for Paris 2024, where he opted out of performing the fearsome Yurchenko Double Pike, or “Biles II,” a vault known for its difficulty and risk. As Juda explained, “It really is a bit scary,” admitting that even some of the toughest male gymnasts avoid the stunt.
Juda shared that he had consulted Biles about the vault, and both agreed on its difficulty. “I’ve talked to Simone before. We’ve both said that it’s a bit of a scary vault,” Juda said. He revealed that he had even stopped training the vault after the World Championships to protect his body, acknowledging how taxing it can be on an athlete’s elbows and joints.
