Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has captured the hearts of millions with her incredible talent, determination, and grace. But there’s one thing that the Olympic legend is not a fan of – the “Kiss-and-Cry” camera used during gymnastics and figure skating competitions.
For those unfamiliar with the term, the “Kiss-and-Cry” camera is a close-up camera that captures the emotional reactions of athletes and their coaches after their performance. It has become a staple in the world of sports, especially in figure skating and gymnastics, where athletes are judged not only on their technical skills but also their artistic expression and emotional connection to the audience.
But for Biles, who has dominated the gymnastics world with her record-breaking skills and mind-blowing routines, the “Kiss-and-Cry” camera is something she could do without. In a recent interview, she expressed her dislike for the camera, saying that it adds unnecessary pressure and distraction to an already intense and nerve-wracking competition.
“I’m not a fan of the ‘Kiss-and-Cry’ camera,” Biles stated. “It’s just another thing to worry about when you’re already trying to focus on your performance and the judges’ scores.”
And she has a point. As a gymnast, Biles has to perform intricate and dangerous routines on a four-inch-wide beam, a vault that propels her over six feet in the air, and a floor exercise that requires her to twist, flip, and tumble with precision and control. The last thing she needs is a camera zooming in on her face, capturing every emotion and reaction, while she’s trying to execute her routines flawlessly.
Moreover, the “Kiss-and-Cry” camera has been known to capture some not-so-pleasant moments, like tears of disappointment, frustration, and even anger. For Biles, who has been under immense pressure to live up to her title as the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time), this camera only adds to the weight on her shoulders.
But beyond the added pressure, Biles also believes that the “Kiss-and-Cry” camera takes away from the true essence of gymnastics – the athleticism and artistry of the sport. Instead of focusing on the technicality and beauty of the routines, the camera shifts the attention to the athletes’ emotions and reactions.
“I want people to focus on the sport itself, not just my facial expressions,” Biles shared. “Gymnastics is a beautiful sport, and I want people to appreciate it for what it is.”
And she’s absolutely right. Gymnastics is a sport that requires incredible strength, flexibility, and agility, and it should be celebrated for its physical demands and artistic elements. The “Kiss-and-Cry” camera, with its focus on emotions, takes away from the true essence of the sport.
Biles is not the only one who has expressed their dislike for the “Kiss-and-Cry” camera. Other athletes, including figure skaters, have also spoken out against it, saying that it adds unnecessary stress and takes away from the joy of competing.
But despite her dislike for the camera, Biles has learned to handle it with grace and composure. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, she famously told her coach, “I’m not crying, you’re crying,” after receiving her gold medal and seeing her emotional reaction on the “Kiss-and-Cry” screen.
And even though the camera may not be her favorite, Biles has proven time and time again that she is a champion on and off the mat. She has inspired countless young gymnasts and athletes with her determination, resilience, and positive attitude.
So, while the “Kiss-and-Cry” camera may continue to be a part of gymnastics and figure skating competitions, it’s clear that Biles and other athletes would rather focus on the sport itself. And with her incredible talent and unwavering determination, Biles has shown that she doesn’t need a camera to capture her emotions – her performances speak for themselves.
