In a moment of triumph, Simone Biles beamed with pride as she led Team USA to victory in the women's team gymnastics final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday.
Biles, now the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast with eight medals, five of which are gold, once again showcased her unparalleled skill and leadership. Alongside teammates Sunisa "Suni" Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and newcomer Hezly Rivera (who did not compete in the final), Biles helped secure the fourth Olympic gold for the U.S. women's gymnastics team.
After overcoming significant hurdles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, including a bout with the twisties that forced her mid-competition withdrawal, Biles returned to the 2024 Games with a determined mindset. She dubbed the Paris Olympics the team's "redemption" tour following their silver finish in Tokyo.
Tuesday's final was a gripping contest. Despite Jordan Chiles’ fall from the balance beam, the team’s spirits were undeterred. Suni Lee quickly regained their momentum, and Biles' flawless beam routine was met with jubilant cheers from her husband, Jonathan Owens, who had flown in overnight to support her. The victory was sealed with Biles’ signature floor routine, which showed no signs of her previous calf injury.
Biles participated in all four team events — vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. This gold medal marks her first at the Paris Games, with potential for up to four more as she competes in the individual all-around final on Thursday. Her main competitor in that event is teammate Suni Lee, the gold medalist from Tokyo.
For Biles, this gold medal represents not just a victory but a personal triumph. Team USA's golden moments at the Paris Olympics will be remembered as a testament to resilience and excellence in gymnastics.
