Mary Lou Retton hails Simone Biles the 'GOAT' of gymnastics and makes prediction for the Paris Olympics

Mary Lou Retton hailed Simone Biles as the GOAT (Greatest of all time) of gymnastics as she made a bold prediction for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Retton spoke with ET about Biles' prospects as she gears up to represent the Stars and Stripes in France come July.

When asked if Biles will emerge on top at the Olympics, Retton told ET: 'No doubt. Everyone's going to be watching women's gymnastics to see who gets second, seriously.'

After jokingly calling her a 'super freak,' Retton gushed over Biles' talent and athleticism.

'You can't teach what kind of talent she has,' Retton said. 'The only thing she's lacking is a gold on bars. I think that's what is her motivation. Her body, she doesn't have many injuries, she's just so strong.'

Retton became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles - a feat that propelled her to national stardom.

In the same interview, she recalled meeting Biles and her family before she bloomed into her potential and became the sports' biggest star. Years later, Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history. 

Biles holds seven Olympic medals, four of which are gold. She impressively won all four gold medals (team, all-around, vault, and floor) at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

'Before her first Olympics — her parents are wonderful — and I placed a call and said, 'If you guys ever need advice or any help,'' Retton shared. 'I said, 'She's gonna be big. And it's gonna be overwhelming. And you're not gonna really know where to go or where to turn to.''

After noting the difference between their experiences, Retton raved about the positive changes in women's sports, saying: 'I'm glad it's moved that way, especially women's sports. We're making tremendous strides. We need to make more, especially in the professionals.'

When asked if she would be attending the games, Retton expressed her desire to go. However, she hadn't decided on braving the long flight amid her health battle.

Retton suffered a 'scary' lung-related emergency in October 2023, in which she was 'oxygen-deprived' in her brain. The near-fatal episode left Retton with permanent scars on her lungs and having to rely on an oxygen tank.