By: Greg Lewis
Published on July, 28, 2024, 9:45p.m. EST
Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles’s Olympic return is off to a jaw-dropping start at Paris 2024 as Americans compete in the second of five women’s qualifying session Sunday (28 July).
Team America sit in the lead 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.
In the all-around, Biles, the 2016 breakout gold medalist, scored 59.566 ahead of reigning champ Suni Lee (56.132). Jordan Chiles is in third at 56.065 but will not advance to Thursday’s (1 August) all-around final round due to two-per-country restrictions.
Three years ago, the American withdrew from the women's team final and four subsequent individual finals at Tokyo 2020 to prioritise her mental health as she dealt with the 'twisties.' That seemed like a distant memory Sunday.
Biles (27) entered Bercy Arena to a massive applause, appearing calm as she smiled, waving 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.
Biles delivered a solid performance.
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