Simone Biles and the US women’s gymnastics team dazzled at Bercy Arena, where they competed in eye-catching, crystal-studded leotards.
The team, the oldest the US has ever sent to the Games, showed grit and determination despite personal challenges and injuries.
During the qualifiers, Biles experienced a minor leg injury but quickly recovered, helping her team achieve the highest scores in vault and floor exercise. The US team, with a total score of 172.296, led by over five points, securing their spot in the finals. Italy followed with 166.681, and China was close behind at 166.628. Brazil, Japan, Canada, Britain, and Romania also advanced.
Biles led the all-around with a score of 59.566, followed by Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade and US teammate Sunisa Lee. The top 24 gymnasts in the all-around and the top eight in each event will advance to the finals.
Despite her injury, Biles performed a challenging floor routine and a near-perfect Yurchenko double pike vault.
Coach Laurent Landi praised her resilience. Lee, after overcoming health issues, excelled on the uneven bars, and Jordan Chiles secured a place in the floor exercise final. Jade Carey also impressed on vault, despite battling illness.
The US team’s strong performance sets high expectations for the finals, where they will face tough competition from Italy, China, and Brazil.
