Simone Biles, alongside USA Gymnastics team doctor Marcia Faustin, showed signs of concern at the Olympics. Unlike the Tokyo 2021 Games, where Biles withdrew from several finals due to mental health issues, her current challenge in Paris was physical: a minor calf injury.
In Paris, Biles, 27, returned with her left leg heavily taped after tweaking her calf during a floor exercise warm-up. Despite a noticeable limp, she competed without issues on the competition floor, scoring the highest in the all-around with a 59.566, outpacing reigning Olympic champion and teammate Sunisa Lee.
U.S. coach Cecile Landi confirmed the injury was minor and had emerged weeks prior. Biles did not consider withdrawing. Instead, she was encouraged to continue by Landi and her husband Laurent, who applied heavy tape to her leg. Biles went on to post the highest scores on floor and vault, both after sustaining the injury.
Biles’ team, including Lee and Jordan Chiles, dominated the qualifying round with a score of 172.296, significantly ahead of Italy’s 166.861. Landi noted Biles’ leg improved throughout the events, expecting her to continue competing.
The Americans, currently favored and with Russia absent due to the Ukraine war, showcased depth. Biles, Lee, and Chiles ranked 1-2-3 in all-around during qualifying, though Chiles will miss the all-around final due to a two-athlete per country limit. Lee is set for beam and bars finals, with Jade Carey aiming to join Biles in the vault final.
The event drew notable attention, with celebrities like Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, and LeBron James attending. Biles, the face of the U.S. Olympic movement, remains a focal point for NBC promotions.
Biles’ injury adds uncertainty, but her performance underscores her resilience and status in the sport. Her pursuit of more Olympic medals continues, contingent on her calf’s condition.
