Simone Biles limped off the floor with a calf injury on Sunday morning — but then returned and powered through the pain to end with a likely first-place finish in the gymnastics all-around qualifying at the Paris Olympics.
Biles appeared to tweak her leg while warming up on floor exercise and left the arena Sunday partway through the qualifying round.
It was a scene that played out three years ago in Tokyo when Biles removed herself from the team final.
Simone Biles briefly left the floor and said she has discomfort in her left leg but continued her quest to return atop the Olympic podium Sunday. AFP via Getty Images
Biles watches on during the Women’s Qualification on July 28, 2024, in Bercy Arena, Paris. REUTERSBut this time, she returned a few minutes later with her left leg taped.
She was heard on camera saying she felt something in her calf.
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She then performed a floor routine set to Taylor Swift’s “Ready For It” that left the audience in awe. The routine, notably the hardest in the world, was solid and earned her a 14.600, guaranteeing her a spot in the event finals next week.
After completing the routine Biles could be seen gingerly walking off the floor before receiving a hug from her longtime coach, Laurent Landi.
When asked whether she was OK after the competition, Biles responded simply, “Yup, as good as I can be.”
She walked gingerly off the floor and sat off to the side for a moment before receiving a hug from longtime coach Laurent Landi. Getty Images
She appeared just fine when Taylor Swift’s “Ready for It” began playing and her routine — the hardest in the world — was solid. REUTERS
Biles and teammates, starting on the balance beam, wore blue-gray uniforms with nearly 3,000 sequins sewn into the top. Getty ImagesUS gymnastics coach Cecile Landi said the issue with Biles’ leg popped up a couple of weeks ago and described it as minor. Landi said there was no discussion of pulling Biles’ from the event.
“I can’t express it,” she said. “I’m really proud of her and what she’s been through and what she’s showing the world what she’s capable of doing.”
The American gymnastics superstar posted an all-around total of 59.566 during Olympic qualifying on Sunday inside a packed and star-studded Bercy Arena. In attedance were the likes of Tom Cruise, Jessica Chastain, Snoop Dogg, Greta Gerwig, Ariana Grande, John Legend and Anna Wintour.
Team USA is heavily favored to win the team gold after finishing second to Russia three years ago in Tokyo.
With Post wires
