Simone Biles is set to compete in all four events at the Olympic team finals, undeterred by a calf injury.
Biles, a prominent figure in American gymnastics, sustained a minor injury to her left calf while warming up for the floor exercise during Sunday’s qualifying round. After briefly retreating to have the calf taped, she returned to achieve the highest scores on floor and vault, ultimately topping the all-around standings.
Despite initial considerations by U.S. team leaders to rest Biles for the uneven bars during the team finals, she will now participate in all events. During the finals, three gymnasts will compete per event, with all three scores contributing to the team total. Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, is anticipated to attend.
The American team, who finished second to Russia in the Tokyo Games three years ago, is favored to secure gold this year.
In the team finals lineup, Biles will perform last for the U.S. on vault, floor exercise, and balance beam, and will compete second on uneven bars. Jordan Chiles, who placed fourth in the all-around during qualifying, will also take part in all four events. Chiles, a member of the silver medal-winning U.S. team from three years ago, will lead off on vault, bars, and balance beam, and will compete second behind Sunisa Lee on floor exercise.
Lee, the 2020 Olympic champion, will be the third American on uneven bars, perform second on balance beam, and lead off on floor exercise.
The only change in the lineup is on floor exercise, where 2020 Olympic floor exercise champion Jade Carey will not compete. Carey, who will perform on vault, struggled on floor during qualifying and cited an illness.
Hezly Rivera, the youngest member of the five-woman team at 16, is not scheduled to compete in the finals. Rivera’s scores on bars and beam were not included in the team total during qualifying.
