Paris — The scene was notably similar, perhaps fitting for a place synonymous with déjà vu.
Simone Biles was seen sitting on the sidelines at the Olympics, with USA Gymnastics team doctor Marcia Faustin beside her, both showing expressions of concern.
This mirrored a situation from three years earlier in Tokyo, where Biles withdrew from several finals to prioritize her safety, sparking a global conversation about mental health.
Biles are resolved to create a different outcome in Paris. At 27, the American gymnast is not facing a mental block or trauma but is instead dealing with an issue common among athletes with her extensive experience.
Olympic Champion
Like Tokyo, Biles and Faustin briefly went off the field of play. However, this time Biles returned not in a sweatsuit but with her left leg heavily taped after injuring her calf during warm-ups on the floor exercise. Throughout the afternoon, she was seen walking with a distinct limp, except on the competition floor.
Biles scored 59.566, comfortably ahead of reigning Olympic champion and teammate Sunisa Lee. After her final event on the uneven bars, she waved to the crowd, hopped off the podium and celebrated with her close friend, Jordan Chiles. She remains focused on her pursuit of gold in the team final on Tuesday and the individual all-around on Thursday.
“It was quite impressive, 59.5,” Landi remarked. “It wasn’t perfect, so there’s room for improvement, but it was still very good.”
Landi noted that the issue arose a few weeks ago and described it as minor, with no consideration given to Biles withdrawing from the competition.
Paris Olympics
Simone Biles will make her debut in Paris on Sunday. Here’s what else to look forward to on Day 2.
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Instead, Landi and her husband, Laurent, who have been Biles’ coaches in Texas for many years, advised her to stay calm and continue. Meanwhile, Laurent applied extensive tape to her leg to provide support.
We advised her to remember that she is fully capable, Landi said. “She understands her abilities and reassures herself, which she showed. We’re thrilled for her.”
Seven Olympic Medals.
The injury had minimal impact on her performance. Biles achieved the highest scores on both floor and vault, even after the injury, as she aims to increase her tally of seven Olympic medals.
The only event final Biles is likely to miss is the uneven bars, where she chose not to perform a unique skill she had submitted to the International Gymnastics Federation on Friday. However, she could still choose to include it in the team final, potentially allowing it to be added to the sport’s Code of Points with her name.
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Despite this, Biles seemed focused on enjoying the moment after her uneven bars routine. There was a sense of relief and appreciation following her dismount, as she considered it might be one of her final performances in a remarkable career.
Day 1 Complete
Her teammates shared this sentiment after the highly favoured U.S. team scored 172.296, over five points ahead of second-place Italy (166.861). The team is seeking “redemption” after finishing as runners-up in Russia three years ago.
They’re feeling both happy and relieved, Landi said. “With Day 1 complete, we’re now moving on to the team finals, all-around finals, and hopefully a few event finals.”
Landi noted that Biles’ leg was improving as she progressed through the events and expects that she will be available for upcoming competitions.
Given that Russia is not taking part because of the war in Ukraine, the American team does not need to rely on Biles as heavily as they have in past Games.
In early qualifying, Biles, Lee, and Chiles secured the top three spots in the all-around. However, Chiles will not compete in the all-around final because of the rule limiting each country to two athletes per event.
Chiles might still qualify for the floor exercise final if she places in the top eight. Lee is almost certain to advance to the beam and bars finals, while Jade Carey, the 2020 floor exercise champion, is in a strong position to join Biles in the vault final.
Of course, assuming Biles stays healthy.
The injury added a dramatic twist to an event that has become a spectacle for both athletes and celebrities.
The stands were packed with high-profile attendees. Tom Cruise took selfies while awaiting Biles’ appearance, while Snoop Dogg enjoyed front-row seats. Ariana Grande, Jessica Chastain, John Legend, and Anna Wintour were also present.
Biles arrived in Paris as a central figure in the U.S. Olympic movement, if not the Olympics themselves. The anticipation surrounding her return has been immense, with NBC prominently featuring her in many promotions leading up to the Games.
Promotions Games
Her presence is undeniable. Athletes from various sports have expressed a desire to see the most decorated gymnast of all time to perform.
James and his team might can see Biles later this week, assuming her calf holds up—an uncertain prospect in a sport with nearly universal injury rates.
For the past 11 years, Biles has largely steered clear of the physical challenges that have derailed many other Olympic athletes.
So far, Biles has avoided such setbacks, and her prospects for a golden farewell are still very much alive, even if she now has to proceed with cautious, deliberate steps.
