UPDATE
For those who remember, United States gymnast Simone Biles had a rough time while in Tokyo four years ago.
The Larry Nassar scandal had come to a head, and she was battling injuries both mentally and physically.
However, four years later she is killing it in Paris.
Simone Biles is once again proving her dominance in gymnastics, securing another gold medal in the women’s all-around final on Thursday night. At 27, Biles becomes the oldest all-around champion since 1952, showcasing her enduring prowess and skill in the sport.
The competition was fierce, but Biles stole the spotlight early with her incredible performance on the Yurchenko double pike vault. This complex maneuver, which was renamed after Biles in 2023 when she became the first female gymnast to land it in international competition, earned her a stunning score of 15.766. Despite a slight misstep on the uneven bars, Biles’ solid 14.566 on the balance beam kept her in the lead. Heading into the final rotation, she held a narrow margin of just 0.166 points over Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade.
Biles’ victory marks a significant comeback after the challenges she faced during the 2020 Tokyo Games. There, she withdrew from the all-around final due to “the twisties,” a dangerous condition affecting spatial awareness. This decision, focused on her mental health, allowed her teammate Suni Lee to step up and win gold. Biles’ return to the top spot highlights her resilience and dedication to the sport.
The U.S. women’s gymnastics team has captivated audiences across America, reflected in the impressive television ratings. An average of 12.7 million viewers tuned in on NBC and Peacock to watch Biles and Team USA’s performances, making it one of the most-watched Olympic events on a weekday in NBC history. The broadcast, which aired from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. ET, drew massive viewership, even surpassing some of the year’s biggest domestic sporting events.
This year’s Olympics have consistently attracted large audiences, with Team USA’s gymnastics team standing out as a major highlight. Biles, along with teammates Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera, re-established America’s dominance in gymnastics, further solidifying their place in the sport’s history.
Simone Biles’ latest triumph not only adds to her impressive medal tally but also cements her status as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in gymnastics. With her eighth Olympic medal, she becomes the most decorated American gymnast in history.
On August 2, 2024, Biles took a subtle jab at former President Trump.
I love my black job 🖤 https://t.co/c5wPc6xOY3
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) August 2, 2024
