Biles: Rising’: A look at the recordbreaking Olympian’s journey to Paris
Raynee Howell Staff Reporter
Review
Simone Biles has climbed to the top of podiums since her international debut at the World Artistic Gymnastics
Championship in 2013. But her rise to the top has not come without falls.
Biles, who won the all-around in the 2016 Rio Olympics and helped lead the USA team to gold, had a very different experience in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The video of her attempting an
Amanar, one of the most difficult vaults in women’s gymnastics, went viral sparking conversations about mental health in the world of professional sports.
Netflix’s new docuseries, released before the games’ start Friday, started with the same vault, which caused
Biles to pull out of the team final. The look of pure terror in Biles’ eyes as she experienced the “twisties,” a term used by gymnasts to describe the disconnect between mind and body, showed a small glimpse into the way she was feeling.
See Biles on page 3
Oklahoma State makes debut in ‘Twisters’ movie
“Twisters” is a hit worldwide, but the film is more than just another movie for Oklahomans.
Production filmed all over the state, teaming up with Prairie Surf Studios in Oklahoma City, Channel 4, Oklahoma Storm Chasers and several other Oklahoma organizations to produce the movie.
Stillwater is featured in the film as the location for a rodeo Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Tyler Owens (Glenn Powell) attend, but Oklahoma State makes its mark on the film in a more subtle way.
First responders are present in any good disaster movie. This time, the fire trucks in “Twisters” are courtesy of the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Fire Protection Department.
The partnership started after production noticed the trucks during their initial location scouting.
“The production crew was in town doing their pre-site checkout, and they drove past our campus and saw the fire trucks,” Program Director Joe Bennett said. “So they tracked down my number and contacted me.”
Bennett is no stranger to working with different organizations; this time was no different.
“I’m used to working with all different kinds of agencies, so it was a little bit different than normal but kind of the same,” Bennett said.
Instructors transported the rigs to the filming locations and remained to help wherever they could during the shoots.
“We took the trucks to and from, and we remained on set,” Bennett said. “If they needed to move, we moved; if they had questions about what a fire truck should be doing, we answered them.”
Filming took place from midnight to 7 a.m., but the long nights equaled screen time for the trucks. The rigs are in several scenes throughout the film.
“They were in quite a few scenes,” Bennett said. “I know the first town that got hit before the rodeo, and you see the front of one of the engines in the daylight. So there are several scenes, including the rodeo.”
The SAG-AFTRA Writers Strike struck up in Hollywood during filming, and production had to stop. Production resumed after the strike ended, but OSU-OKC only had one working fire truck.
See ‘Twisters’ on page 4
Tulsan ‘Bachelorette’ contestant chooses his dreams over dream girl
Raynee Howell Staff Reporter
Review
Note: This article contains spoilers.
Contestants most often leave the “Bachelorette” stage with no rose and a broken heart; Aaron Erb chose this fate of his own accord.
Aaron Erb, a 29-yearold aerospace engineer from Tulsa, is the twin brother of Noah Erb, who was a contestant on both the “Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise.” Noah Erb found his match on the seventh season of BIP.
Aaron Erb hoped to follow in his brother’s footsteps with the new “Bachelorette” Jenn Tran, but in the third episode which aired Monday, Erb received a call from his Air Force supervisor about an opening in fighter pilot training.
Erb had been waiting for the opportunity to start training for over a year. It left him with a choice to make, between Tran and his childhood dreams. Erb needed validation from Tran that he was one of the top contenders for her love. His last chance to make an impression was during the second group date with fellow contestants Hakeem, Jeremy and Austin. The four contestants arrived at a race track. A pink race car zoomed around the track before revealing the “Bachelorette” was in the car. Tran announced each of the men would be driving a race car during the date. Erb hesitantly admitted he was the only one who had ever driven “stick” or manual. At that moment, he seemed to be the top contender for winning the challenge. Whoever completed a lap in the fastest time would win.
See Dreams on page 2
Tribune News Service
United
Simone Biles practices on the balance beam during women’s gymnastics training ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Jenn Tran, this season’s Bachelorette, ended her relationship with Tulsan contestant Aaron Erb.
Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter
Dreams...
Continued from page 1
Tran climbed into the passenger seat with each of the contestants. Jeremy came in last after stopping for a quick “snog” session with Tran in the middle of the course. Hakeem came in third, after driving the entire lap in first gear.
First and second were close, but Aaron lost by three seconds to Austin. It was not the way he had hoped the race would go, but there would still be two cocktail parties, one for the date and one before the rose ceremony. He would get his chance to talk to Tran alone.
After the first cocktail party, Erb told the cameras he didn’t receive the validation he needed during his one-on-one time with Tran. With only Devin, Jeremy and Spencer with date roses deeming them safe from elimination, he knew his fate would be on the line. He decided to take his fate into his own hands.
Erb pulled Tran away from the group to explain his plans to leave the competition. He told Tran he couldn’t give up his dreams for her. Tran understood and replied with words of encouragement.
“I totally appreciate your honesty, and I totally understand following your dreams,” she told him. “I wouldn’t want to be a source of resentment, ever.”
Just when it seemed like Erb and Tran were on the same page, and there would be a civil goodbye, Erb had to open his mouth again. He told Tran to “be careful” around certain contestants because they may not be there for the right reasons.
When Tran questioned him further, he said it was for her to find out. Tran did not take the accusations lightly. She quickly ended the conversation and walked Aaron out to the car to remove him from the premises.
She was visibly upset and told the cameras it was a “cruel” and “disingenuous” conversation. It unsettled her enough to address the remaining contestants. In a speech, she revealed what Erb had said, much to the shock of the contestants.
heart out to the group of men, she requested to speak with Marcus. He
I totally appreciate your honesty, and I totally understand following your dreams
Jenn Tran
After pouring her
seemed rattled by her speech, but he tried to comfort her. Meanwhile, the men were in a screaming match over the bomb Erb
had dropped. Sam M., one of the main instigators, stood by Erb’s decision saying he had the right to speak his mind. Devin, Sam M.’s arch-nemesis, felt it was disrespectful to Tran and the rest of the contestants.
Erb had previous fights with Devin, and Sam M. most likely bonded with him over their mutual hatred. Sam M.’s right-hand man, Thomas N. had also created a commotion in episode two by pulling Devin away from Tran to argue. It almost cost him his rose.
It leaves the question of who is the man with the right intentions. Is it Team Devin or team everyone else?
The blow-out fight was interrupted by the host, who notified the men it was time for the rose ceremony. After Erb’s early departure, two would still go home, leaving Tran with only 12 eligible bachelors.
Tomas Azzano and one of my personal favorites, Hakeem Moulton, were the only bachelors left without a rose at the end of the night.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Biles...
Continued from page 1
As a retired gymnast myself, I unfortunately know the devil we like to call a “mental block” personally. With gymnastics being one of the sports most reliant on mental strength, trust in yourself is a huge factor. Biles had lost that trust at the worst possible moment. She had a difficult choice to make. Either risk injuring herself or risk angering a nation of supporters. She made the best choice for her, mentally and physically, but her decision was not
Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm
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welcomed by everyone.
The media was in a panic, with former gymnasts coming forward in support after an enormous wave of online “supporters” were calling her a “quitter,” with some even saying she let her team down. Biles said many did not understand her injury because it couldn’t be seen as it wasn’t physical.
When she needed support the most, the media shunned her and left her with one question to answer.
Was this how the GOAT would end her career? Or would Biles return for Paris 2024? It was a question even Biles was unsure about for a while. She decided she would
write her own ending.
With Netflix filming her during the Tokyo Olympics and the moments directly after, we can watch the playback of her perseverance in real time. Biles sits upon her couch in her interviews detailing the pain she was dealing with behind the scenes.
It’s no secret that USA Gymnastics has a dark past. Bela Karolyi and Marta Karolyi and their harsh training methods created the most famous U.S. gymnasts up until the 2016 Olympics. The training methods were forms of abuse that often gave the girls no way out.
In the middle of nowhere with no contact to parents, the girls
would train at the Karolyi Ranch. Biles, along with big names like Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas, all attended the camps.
Alongside the abuse of the Karolyis, Larry Nassar, the national team doctor who is currently serving time on 22 charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, was present in all of the girls’ lives. He had private, unsupervised access to hundreds of gymnasts. He disguised his abuse as medical procedure.
Right after Biles’ triumphs at the Rio Olympics, Nassar’s trial began. Many gymnasts spoke out about their traumas, and some even addressed Nassar himself in court. Biles released a statement
months after he was sentenced detailing her own experiences with Nassar, which is a feat in its own right.
With the pandemic changing the environment of the Olympics and with recent unhealed traumas resurfacing, the dam broke for Biles.
Biles showed the camera her “forbidden Olympics closet,” a place she admitted she used to cry in often. In the closet, her leotard, Covid-19 mask, warm-up gear and the rest of her physical memories lay in a pile. She knew she couldn’t go out like that.
With support from her husband Jonathan Owens, coaches and teammates, Biles got back into the
gym. This year, she won another Worlds Championship, got another skill named after her and made another Olympic team.
The second episode focused on her journey through those competitions and to Paris 2024. Netflix plans to release more episodes in the fall, with what I anticipate will document her time in Paris.
Biles, even as the best gymnast in the world, is only human. Her journey has not been easy, but Biles is rising, and she carries that fact with her, tattooed across her collarbone, “And Still I Rise.”
Simone Biles competes on the uneven bars on Day Four of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials at Target Center on June 30.
Lifestyle
3 ways to prepare to return to Stillwater
Kennedy Thomason Editor-in-Chief
With school less than a month away, it’s time to start preparing for the journey to campus.
For freshman, it will be their first time on campus as students. For returning students, the start of the year will be another chance to walk Oklahoma State’s campus.
But before you grace Stillwater’s streets, here are three things to do to prepare yourself.
Get a moving schedule planned
If you live in oncampus housing, you may have an assigned move-in date. But regardless of when you will arrive in Stillwater, make sure you have a plan.
Know who will help you move in, what you want to bring and how you plan to pack.
Big IKEA duffel bags or trolleys are help -
ful to move clothes and items efficiently.
Think through your layout
Before you buy all of the “dorm essentials” you see on TikTok, double-check the dimensions of your living space.
Don’t overdo it and live in an overcrowded place. After a long day, the last thing you want to come home to is a cluttered room. Leave enough space to sit down on your floor with a desk and shelves.
Enjoy the last weeks away from Stillwater
Although Stillwater holds many friends, take time to enjoy the ones you are around now.
Before long, you will be at school and in the college bubble. So enjoy spending time with family and soak up the last of your hometown friends or new friends you met over the summer.
Don’t be in a rush to get to Stillwater, you’ll have many months to enjoy in the town once the school year begins.
Although
CheckouttheOriginalHideaway!
‘Twisters’...
Continued from page 1
“I had to break the news that one of the trucks was in the shop, and they wouldn’t have it repaired in time for their deadline,”
Bennett said.
The minor setback did not stop Bennett from finding a solution.
“So they asked me if I didn’t mind trying to find
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them a new engine,” Bennet said. “That’s when I reached out to the Sooner Volunteer Fire Department and asked them if they’d be willing to participate; they immediately said ‘yes.’”
The Cowboys and Sooners put aside their rivalry to make movie magic mirroring the friendly rivalry between Kate and Tyler in “Twisters,” who eventually team up to take down tornadoes.
“It was just like another day at the fire station, but it was kind of neat,”
GOD IS TRUSTWORTHY!
God is worthy of our trust! “... I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” “... so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Jer.1:12, Is.55:11 NIV)
Certainly from these verses it is clear that the Lord “means what he says.” When he speaks, or makes promises, he makes sure they are fulfilled. The life of Abraham shared with us in the first book of the Bible is telling us of a man who believed that God could be trusted. Abraham had to wait many years to see some of God’s promises fulfilled, and some for hundreds of years, and there was one he waited for thousands. God promised that all the world would be blessed through the offspring of Abraham. Jesus came through
his natural lineage. Jesus brought to all people the blessing of forgiveness and eternal life. God is trustworthy!
“The just shall live by faith.” (Ro.1:17) The theme all through the Bible is the life of faith. The true faith mentioned in scripture has one object; that is God. We are to trust the faithful God! We are to look to this God who has proved himself over and over a faithful God, who keeps his promises. He is worthy of our trust. As we except Christ, God’s gift to us, there is forgiveness of sin. We will not be condemned at the
for
is
in and through you what he has promised.
Bennett said. “Just having the Sooners there, working with the Cowboys.”
“Twisters” premiered July 19, and Bennett was among the many Oklahomans who packed theaters across the state.
“I’ve seen the movie. I thought it had a good storyline, and I thought it was a good movie,” Bennett said. “It had a rural feel to it, and most of the state is rural, so I thought it was a good representation.”
“It was cool; It’s obviously something that doesn’t happen every day, but it was good to see our rigs in the movie,” Bennett said. “I was really glad that the program got to participate in filming.”
The film is a hit with Bennett and Oklahoma, but its impact is far-reaching. After filming, Production donated $4,5000 to OSU-OKC and $4,500 to Sooner VFD. For Bennett and OSUOKC, the donation is the cherry on top of an unforgettable experience.
Little
The OSU-OKC Fire Protection Department had its fire trucks appear in hit film “Twisters.”
Biden addresses candidacy withdrawal with address to nation
Kennedy Thomason Editor-in-Chief
In a 12-minute address to the American people Wednesday evening, President Joe Biden discussed his decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
“In recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party,” Biden said.
During the short address, Biden discussed the accomplishments of his term, including being the only president in a century to not oversee a war and holding the racial wealth gap to its lowest point in 20 years. He also mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris and her successes.
Sunday afternoon in a letter posted to his X account, Biden announced he would step back as the presumptive Democratic candidate. He later endorsed Harris, who quickly gained support from the Democratic base, raising $81 million within the 24 hours of her candidacy announcement.
Biden said it had become clear in recent weeks that he needed to unite his party. After a disastrous presidential debate in late June, many Democrats questioned or called for Biden to withdraw.
Referencing his 2020 campaign slogan, Biden said the “soul of the nation” was still at stake, and American voters have a consequential choice to make come November.
Since announcing his withdrawal, Biden has faced criticism over his decision to remain in office. He will serve out his term, which will officially end in January, when the presidentelect will succeed him.
In his address, Biden remained firm in his position to remain as president while acknowledging his decision to no longer seek the Democratic nomination.
“It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president,” Biden said.
President Joe Biden with First lady Jill Biden walks on the South Lawn of the White
nation Wednesday, following his decision to drop out of the presidential race.
Oklahoma State gets former Missouri shortstop Drew Culbertson in the portal
Even after the MLB Draft, Oklahoma State head coach Josh Holliday isn’t done reeling in reinforcements for his team with sights on the 2025
season. Earlier this week, OSU garnered a commitment from former Missouri shortstop Drew Culbertson out of the transfer portal. Although Culbertson hasn’t publicly announced his pledge to OSU, a source close to the program has confirmed to The O’Colly of Culbertson’s commitment. He also added “OSU Baseball” to his social media bio on Instagram.
As a freshman in
2024, Culbertson logged a .191 batting average, in addition to just one home run, a .272 on base percentage, a .241 slugging percentage and only a .513 OPS through 47 games played on the year. Although his offensive numbers weren’t eyecatching, it should be noted that defense was Culbertson’s specialty, as he was highly regarded as one of the better defensive middle infielders in the SEC this past season. Not to mention, fresh
starts always help in college baseball. Look at OSU shortstop Lane Forsythe this past season.
Forsythe transferred in after three seasons with Mississippi State’s, playing a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ College World Series championship run in 2021. He was a renowned defender in the SEC; however, Forsythe hadn’t logged a batting average better than .275 his first three seasons of college baseball. He hit.226, .273 and .248,
respectively over his first three seasons of college baseball.
However, after a change in scenery, he hit a career-best .287 to go with three homers – another career-high total – with the Cowboys in 2024. The same could happen for Culbertson, of course, if the dominoes fall in his and Holliday’s. Culbertson becomes the sixth transfer portal commitment for OSU this offseason. He joins former Jacksonville reliever
Tommy Allman, Hawaii starting pitcher Harrison Bodendorf, Saint John’s starting pitcher Mario Pesca, former Arkansas left fielder Jayson Jones and former Grand Canyon reliever Hunter Watkins in compiling the Cowboys’ current portal class. Culbertson will have three seasons of eligibility remaining come 2025.
Daniel Allen Staff Reporter
OSU football position preview: Quarterbacks
Daniel Allen Staff Reporter
The O’Colly is previewing the eight Oklahoma State football position groups during the next four weeks. First up: quarterbacks.
Oklahoma State fans have witnessed firsthand how a quarterback can impact offensive success.
Under head coach Mike Gundy, OSU’s most successful teams have been a product of dynamic quarterback play. Last season, the productivity from starting quarterback Alan Bowman was good but not great in OSU’s 10-4 season, which led to a Big 12 title game appearance for the second time in three seasons. But in general, his season numbers were rather average – 15 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and a 60.7 completion percentage, albeit 3,460 passing yards.
Such production hindered OSU in many big moments in 2023. A 45-3 blowout loss to UCF one week removed from a monumental win against Oklahoma in the final Bedlam game as we know it. A 49-21 slaughterfest to Texas in the conference championship game.
This season, Gundy and Co. believe OSU has the makeup to feature complementary quarterback play. And not with
a different option under center. In December, Bowman was granted a seventh season of eligibility. The NCAA cited his shortened 2018 season by injury.
“I think the experience that he brings to our team (is beneficial),” Gundy said at the 2024 Big 12 Football Media Days. “The respect and the players believe in him at this point benefit us the most at this time.”
Good news for Cowboy football fans.
“I like this year’s group,” Gundy said. “Bringing Alan back was huge for our offense in just maintaining that element of consistency.
“I think you’ll see a big jump from Year 1 to Year 2.”
Gundy’s best teams at OSU have often featured elite quarterback play. Just look at years past.
Zac Robinson in 200809. Brandon Weeden in 2010-11. Mason Rudolph in 2015-17. Spencer Sanders in 2020-21.
Last season, OSU didn’t have a starter named at the time of their season opener. So, a three-quarterback system each game was implemented. A lack of success ensued as the Cowboys squeaked by FCS foe Central Arkansas at home and Pac-12 – now Big 12 – bottom dweller Arizona State. Shortly thereafter came a 33-7 annihilation from the Sun Belt’s South Alabama.
Once Gundy named Bowman the permanent starter, the offense neared its peak form. Upset wins against Kansas State, Kansas and OU followed by gritty comebacks
against Houston and BYU to clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game. The offense attained what it had lacked through the first three games – consistency and experience under center.
Now, entering his second season as QB1, Bowman said internal expectations for the Cowboy offense are rather high.
“It was like my fifth offense in six years,” Bowman said. “So, it’s
been really good to put two years back-to-back with an offense and get more comfortable with it. Being able to look back at a full season of tape and say, ‘Hey, we need to get better at this.’ And then actually have the time to get better at it. So, that’s why I’m excited for this year.”
And barring an unforeseen change, redshirt sophomore Garret Rangel — who was in the
three-QB system — is back, along with redshirt freshman Zane Flores. Freshman duo Maealiuaki Smith and Garret Wilson are on the roster, too.
Can OSU get complementary play from Bowman this season? Can the Cowboys’ starting quarterback make a leap in efficiency from Year 1 to Year 2?
Just ask his colleague in the back field.
“You can just tell
with Alan that he’s been around college football for a long time,” running back Ollie Gordon II said.
“He took Year 1 to adapt to the team. And as Year 2 comes on, he’s stepping up more. He’s doing more things. Giving more of that Cowboy Culture than he was before.
“Definitely a guy you want leading your team.”
Alan Bowman is the Cowboys’ leading man at quarterback for the 2024 season.
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Cowboy Calendar
Friday, July 26
2024 Pistol Pete Classic @ 8 a.m.
Location: Payne County Expo Center https://pcexpocenter.com/event/pistol-pete-classic-2/
Admission: $75 includes autographed T-shirt, VIP front row seating, & meet & greet
“Margaret won’t be in the comedy showcase!”?
By Katherine Baicker & Laura
Daily Horoscope
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency
Linda Black Horoscopes
Today’s Birthday (07/26/24). Connect and collaborate this year. Pennies saved in a steady trickle add up nicely over time. Complications could reroute summer explorations and research, motivating autumn collaborative windfall profits. Clarify misunderstandings this winter, before raking in extra cash next spring. Teamwork is your superpower.
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — Maintain an air of mystery. Do what you love and thrive. Guard special alone time for yourself. Decide what’s next. Use your power responsibly.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Find a quiet, private place for thinking. Birdsong and running water soothe sensitivities. Resist overconsumption. Conserve resources and take it easy. Listen to your imagination.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Cultivate leadership in yourself and others. All is not as it appears. Guard against impetuosity. Stay patient with team delays. Confer with allies.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Assume responsibility with a professional project. Finish paperwork and untangle bureaucratic snags. Avoid expensive options and go with simple choices with positive impact.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — You could find yourself in the eye of a storm. Find a comfortable rest spot to review your route and reservations. Monitor and study.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Study money and review your resources. Handle the tasks that support your shared venture to succeed. Consider actions before taking them. Don’t get sidetracked. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Enjoy sweet moments with your partner. Look for silver linings under gray clouds. Avoid overindulging and nurture each other. Share solutions and possibilities. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — A quicker physical pace could lead to errors. Slow for curves and watch where you’re going. Moderation serves you well. Maintain practical practices.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Have fun. Enjoy the company. Keep things light. Love blossoms and flowers. Whether it’s a game, sport, romantic or family connection, discover renewed passion. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — The gentle approach works best at home. Offer treats and kindnesses to your crew. Keep it simple. Conserve resources. Reward helpers with something delicious. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Write and edit thoughtfully. Detail the story with colorful images. Keep things clear and simple. Launch when ready. Share your message for viral potential. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Lucrative possibilities abound. Keep things simple and balanced for minimal stress. Lucky conditions favor your actions. Get moving for satisfying results. Stash it.
