After a two-year hiatus, Simone Biles made a spectacular return to gymnastics, setting her sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics. Biles, who has an impressive collection of 37 world and Olympic medals, faced uncertainty about her future in the sport after withdrawing from several events at the Tokyo Games due to a disorienting mental block.
However, her determination and resilience were on full display as she entered the Bercy Arena with a roaring crowd and a global television audience.
Outstanding Performances
Simone Biles kicked off her competition with an acrobatic beam routine, followed by an energetic floor program featuring her signature Biles II move. Despite needing strapping on her calf before her floor routine, she topped the all-around standings with a score of 59.566, a score that would have secured gold at the last three World Championships.
Her performance on the beam was particularly noteworthy, scoring 14.733, while her floor routine earned her 14.600.
The 27-year-old gymnast also delivered her famous Biles II vault, earning a huge 15.800. Although she didn’t attempt her new skill on the uneven bars, she still scored 14.433. Biles’ joy was evident as she completed her bars dismount, waving to the crowd and hugging her teammates.
Celebrity Audience
Simone Biles’ return has captivated fans and celebrities alike, with rapper Snoop Dogg, actor Tom Cruise, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and singer Ariana Grande among those in attendance.
Starting her day on the beam, the same apparatus where she took an emotional bronze in Tokyo, Biles delivered her routine with confidence, earning a score of 14.733.
Floor Routine Highlights
On the floor, Biles’ routine included her triple-twisting double somersault; though she stepped out of bounds, it didn’t affect her high score of 14.600.
Despite appearing to favor her left ankle at times, she powered through her performances, impressing both fans and judges. Her coach, Cecile Landi, mentioned that Biles had “just a little pain in her calf,” but there were no concerns about her ability to compete.
Team USA’s Sterling Support
Simone Biles teammates also shone during the competition. Defending Olympic all-around champion Suni Lee had a shaky start on the beam but secured her spot in the all-around final with a strong performance on the uneven bars, scoring 14.866.
Lee finished second in the all-around standings with a score of 56.132, just ahead of Jordan Chiles, who scored 56.065.
Tokyo Olympic floor champion Jade Carey faced challenges on the floor exercise and scored 10.633, but bounced back on the vault and earned 14.433.
Hezly Rivera, the youngest member of the U.S. delegation at 16, contributed solid scores of 13.900 on the uneven bars and 12.633 on the beam.
International Competitors
The event featured remarkable performances from several other athletes. French-born Kaylia Nemour, now representing Algeria, executed a demanding routine on the uneven bars and achieved a score of 15.600.
China’s Qiu Qiyuan was not far behind, earning a score of 15.066.
Anticipation for What’s Next
As the competition progresses, Simone Biles and her teammates have set a high bar, leaving fans excited for what’s to come. Biles’ return is a testament to her greatness, grit, and guts, inspiring both her peers and spectators.
Reactions from the Experts
BBC’s Matt Baker aptly described Biles’ comeback: “Just to be back, it’s incredible that she is here to write a different ending.” Retired gymnast Louis Smith added, “She is phenomenal. She looks in great shape. She is the Usain Bolt of this sport.”
Great Britain’s Becky Downie shared similar thoughts, saying, “It’s unlikely we’ll see another athlete like Simone for a long time. What she brings to the sport is truly exciting.”
Simone Biles return to the 2024 Paris Olympics is a story of resilience and excellence, marking her as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
