Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history and considered the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T), made a triumphant return to the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Despite an apparent calf injury during warm-ups, Biles dominated the gymnastics qualifying session, leading Team USA to the top of the standings with an impressive score of 172.296.
The 27-year-old Olympian, who took a break from the sport after her premature exit from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health, delivered stunning and technically near-flawless performances on the balance beam, vault, floor, and uneven bars. Biles’ vault routine, which featured her trademark Yurchenko double pike, earned a spectacular score of 15.8 despite her heavily taped ankle.
Coach Cecille Landi, an Olympian who competed for France in 1996, revealed that Biles had tweaked her calf several weeks ago and was on the mend during the training leading up to the games. Landi emphasized that the injury did not deter Biles, who had no intention of leaving the competition.
Biles’ comeback drew a star-studded crowd to the Bercy Arena, including actors like Tom Cruise and Jessica Chastain, musicians like Ariana Grande, Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, Cynthia Erivo, Nick Jonas, and John Legend, as well as Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Lady Gaga, who performed at the opening ceremony, praised Biles’ beam routine on Instagram, writing, “She nailed it, what an honor to be so close!”
Heading into the all-around final on Thursday, Biles and Sunisa Lee, the reigning champion, will make history as two former all-around champions competing in the same event for the same country. Landi acknowledged Biles’ stunning comeback and the potential for even more growth, stating, “It was pretty amazing. 59.5, and four-for-four. Not perfect. She still can improve … just really good.”
Simone Biles has already made history at Paris 2024! 👏
AdvertisementAt her third Olympics, she achieved an incredible score of 59.566 during qualification.#Paris2024 @Simone_Biles @gymnastics pic.twitter.com/AzlCfFsI9x
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 28, 2024
