As Brazilian fans waved flags and chanted enthusiastically, celebrating their star gymnast Rebecca Andrade’s lead in the all-around standings, the atmosphere in Paris was electrifying. However, Simone Biles, the American gymnastics legend, was not in high spirits. A subpar uneven bars routine left Biles in an unfamiliar position: trailing behind Andrade and Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour.
As she lined up with her group for the balance beam, Biles was candid about her anxiety, admitting she was “praying to every single god out there” and had never felt so stressed. The balance beam, a narrow apparatus that tests even the most confident gymnasts, was Biles’ next challenge.
Tokyo Olympic all-around champion Sunisa Lee concluded her day with an impressive floor routine, earning the bronze medal.
If this was Biles’ final all-around competition — she has hinted at this possibility but remains noncommittal — it was a fitting conclusion. It encapsulated her journey, marked by unparalleled physical feats and a profound mental struggle. Biles, a 27-year-old gymnast, has been a dominant force in the sport, winning every all-around competition she entered since 2013, a streak of 37 consecutive victories. She has pioneered five signature moves, with only Panama’s Hillary Heron landing the Biles I on the floor this week.
Biles’ beam routine, however, might be her greatest moment. Despite the immense pressure, she delivered a performance that reaffirmed her status as the world’s top gymnast. The beam had been a turning point for Biles in Tokyo, where she won bronze after withdrawing from other events due to mental health challenges. This time, it helped secure her victory.
Biles is known for her physical prowess, pushing the boundaries of gymnastics. She is a gravity-defying daredevil, standing at 57 inches of fearlessness, the most dominant athlete pound for pound. Yet, her mental resilience has been equally remarkable. Her withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Games due to mental health issues led to introspection and a renewed focus on her love for gymnastics.
Andrade, Biles’ toughest competitor in recent times, believed she might achieve the impossible during the first two rotations. Andrade, who overcame three ACL tears, finished as the runner-up to Biles at the World Championships a year ago. Her routines are packed with difficulty and executed beautifully.
Andrade delivered strong performances in all her routines but could not surpass Biles. In the end, Biles’ remarkable skills and resilience secured her the gold, reinforcing her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
