The 2024 Paris Olympics have kicked off, and Team USA’s women’s gymnastics team, featuring Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Hezly Rivera, began their qualification rounds at Bercy Arena. The team is determined to reclaim the top spot after earning a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Despite a strong start, the team faced challenges, most notably Biles’ injury during warm-ups for her floor exercise. She sustained a lower left leg injury but continued to compete with a heavily taped ankle. Biles struggled with her floor routine and needed a big step backward to land her Yurchenko double pike on the vault. Despite these setbacks, she exited qualifications leading the all-around standings, underscoring her remarkable resilience and skill.
Simone Biles briefly left the floor and said she has discomfort in her left leg but continued her quest to return atop the Olympic podium Sunday.
Meanwhile, Sunisa Lee narrowly edged out Jordan Chiles for the second American spot in the individual all-around finals, giving her a chance to defend her Tokyo gold medal. Jade Carey, however, experienced a rough day, falling during her floor exercise and missing the opportunity to defend her gold in the discipline.
The top eight teams from qualifying will advance to the team final on Tuesday, with the top 24 individuals in the all-around moving on to the finals on Thursday. The Americans competed in the second subdivision, with Brazil impressing in the fifth subdivision as Rebeca Andrade finished second in the individual all-around, and the team secured fourth place.
Biles’ return to the Olympics has been nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming her injury to deliver impressive performances, she has shown the exceptional skill and determination that have defined her career. Her return is particularly significant after the challenges she faced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. With her sights set on adding to her impressive tally of seven Olympic medals from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Biles continues to demonstrate why she is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
By AlizeLaVie
