Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles’s Olympic return is off to a sparkling start at Paris 2024 as the Americans competed in women’s qualfiying Sunday .The U.S. well in front with a total team score of 172.296, followed by Italy some 5.435 points back at 166.861. The People’s Republic of China is third with a 166.628. Reigning world silver medallists Brazil competed in the day’s final subdivision and sit fourth (166.499).
In the all-around, Biles, the 2016 gold medallist, scored 59.566 ahead 2022 world all-around champion Rebeca Andrade (57.700). Reigning champ Suni Lee was third, posting a 56.132. Jordan Chiles earned the fourth highest score at 56.065 but won’t advance to Thursday’s (1 August) all-around final due to two-per-country restrictions. Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour rounds out the top five.
Biles, 27, entered Bercy Arena to massive applause, looking relaxed as she smiled and waved to the audience.
She looked even more relaxed on the balance beam where in the span of some 79 seconds, she put on a clinic, executing a near flawless routine that included a two layout stepout series and a full-twisting double back dismount. Biles earned a 14.733 for the routine.
Later, Biles could be seen waving to her parents, Ron and Nellie, as well as sharing a laugh and several smiles with Landi.
When it came time for competition, there was no hint of an issue as she boomed her trademark Yurchenko double pike to the rafters, needing several steps backward to control it. She earned a massive 15.800.
Biles closed out her spectacular on the uneven bars with a hit set and a 14.433, the relief pouring out through her megawatt smile. She embraced coach Laurent Landi before stopping near a scoreboard to soak in the moment.
The crowd roared, acknowledging her spectacular return. Before leaving the podium, she blew kisses and waved to her adoring fans.The American is now set for five of six medal rounds, advancing with the team, in the all-around, and on the vault, beam and floor exercise.
“It was pretty amazing. 59.5, and four-for-four. Not perfect,” Landi assessed her pupil’s performance. “She still can improve even.”