Simone Biles dealt with discomfort in her left leg during the second qualifying subdivision for the Paris Games on Sunday. Despite the issue, the 27-year-old American gymnast continued her pursuit to reclaim the top spot on the Olympic podium. The US gymnastics team, including Biles, competed at the packed Bercy Arena, aiming for the team gold in Paris after securing a runner-up position to Russia in Tokyo three years ago.
Biles showcased her skill during her beam routine, taking a moment to consult with the team doctor, Marcia Faustin, due to the discomfort in her calf. After returning to the floor with her leg taped, she delivered a solid routine to Taylor Swift’s music. Despite a brief moment of unease, she received a score of 14.600, ensuring her place in the event finals next week.
The gymnastics star also faced the vault event, where she encountered trouble in Tokyo. However, this time she successfully executed her signature Yurchenko double pike vault, earning a high score of 15.800. Biles, visibly limping, completed her routine and headed back to her seat to prepare for the upcoming team final on Tuesday and the women’s all-around final on Thursday.
The arena was bustling with celebrities, with notable figures like Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, Ariana Grande, Jessica Chastain, John Legend, and Anna Wintour in attendance. Biles, an emblem of the US Olympic movement, has generated significant buzz around her return to the Games, drawing attention from various athletes and celebrities alike who are eager to witness her unparalleled talent as potentially the final competition in her remarkable career.
The anticipation surrounding Biles’ performances has been widely hyped by NBC and other media outlets, capitalizing on her star power and influence within the sports world. The US men’s basketball team, including LeBron James, expressed their desire to support Biles in her Olympic journey, showcasing the widespread admiration and respect that Biles commands from her peers across different sporting disciplines.
