July 31, (THEWILL) – Simone Biles led the United States women’s gymnastics team to gold at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, marking her triumphant return to the sport. The 27-year-old gymnast, who withdrew from the team event in Tokyo due to mental health concerns, delivered outstanding performances across all apparatus.
The American team finished with a total score of 171.296, surpassing second-placed Italy by 5.802 points. Brazil secured bronze, their first-ever medal in the women’s team event. Biles, who has now won her fifth Olympic gold medal, started strong with a high-scoring Cheng vault despite competing with a taped left calf due to a recent muscle strain.
Biles’ teammates also contributed significantly to the victory. Sunisa Lee, the defending all-around Olympic champion, excelled on the uneven bars, while Jordan Chiles rebounded from a fall on the balance beam with an impressive floor routine. The team’s success was witnessed by a star-studded crowd, including tennis legend Serena Williams and Olympic swimming great Michael Phelps.
In a post-event press conference, Biles emphasised her focus on enjoying the sport rather than dwelling on her legacy. She expressed surprise at learning she has now won a combined 38 world and Olympic medals. The gymnast credited her morning therapy session for helping her feel calm and ready for the competition.
The victory in Paris adds another chapter to Biles’ remarkable career and solidifies her status as one of the world’s greatest athletes. It also represents a significant personal achievement following her decision to prioritise her mental health at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
