JuJu Watkins celebrates Simone Biles led Team USA's historic gold in artistic gymnastics at 2024 Paris Olympics

JuJu Watkins was all smiles as she celebrated Team USA's historic gold in artistic gymnastics at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday, led by none other than Simone Biles. The countdown is on for the women's college basketball season, which tips off in 100 days, but for now, Watkins is enjoying the offseason before heading into her sophomore year at USC.

The first-team AP All-American has had a busy few days, showing her patriotism while rooting for Team USA. Biles is already the most decorated gymnast in history with seven Olympic medals, including four golds. Watkins congratulated the legendary gymnast and UCLA alum on her Instagram story:

Watkins has her own dreams of Olympic glory as well. She has also envisioned her path to Olympic stardom, dreaming of representing Team USA at the 2028 Olympics, which will incidentally take place in her hometown, Los Angeles. Speaking with the Associated Press last month, Watkins said:

“That’s definitely a long-term goal of mine when I get done with my college career. Definitely something I’m looking forward to, and having the chance to do that in my city would be a dream come true.”

For Biles, her success in Paris is sweet redemption after her mid-Olympics withdrawal in Tokyo 2020 to prioritize her mental health.

Also Read: “Allons-y!!!”: USC HC Lindsay Gottlieb expresses excitement as JuJu Watkins and team gear up for season opener in Paris

Juju Watkins stars at ESPYs after stellar USC season

The USC guard stole the show at the ESPY Awards earlier this month after an impressive freshman season for Lindsay Gottlieb’s team. As one of women's basketball's rising stars, Watkins took home the Best Breakthrough Athlete award.

She helped USC clinch its first Pac-12 Tournament title in a decade. Individually, she shattered numerous records. She became the Division I's freshman all-time scoring leader during the NCAA tournament and broke three major records along the way:

#1. Most points scored by any player this season with a 51-point game

#2. Most points scored at Galen Center by any USC player (42 points)

#3. Most points in a single season

Also Read: JuJu Watkins names her Top 5 best-dressed players in the WNBA, including fashionista no longer in the league

The 2024 ESPY Awards was a significant one for women's basketball. Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark also took home major awards.