The Biles are back – Simone pulls the punch as celebrities descend on gymnastics

He’s back.

Cheered on by the crowd and celebrities at the Bercy Arena in Paris, Simone Biles sparkled on her Olympic return, climbing to the top of the qualifiers in a leotard studded with 10,000 Swarovski crystals.

It’s been one thousand and ninety days since Biles won the bronze medal on the balance beam in Tokyo, a footnote in a turbulent Games where she had retired from her other three of the finals citing a mental problem known in his game as ‘twisties. ‘.

Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, Ariana Grande and Anna Wintour were among those present to witness the latest chapter in the extraordinary career of the 27-year-old man who has already won 37 world awards. at the Olympics, making her the most decorated gymnast of all time.

As befits the group of celebrities that Biles herself inhabits, her return was without drama – during which she returned with a rare triple concussion. , appeared to have injured his left leg, spoke to the United States team briefly and wanted to go back. down the runway from his first training camp on his hands and knees.

Seconds later, he responded to his concerns by delivering the Yurchenko Double Pike vault, known as Biles II. Biles is the only female gymnast to come close to the feat, and it was even more impressive because she wasn’t healthy.

Appearing emotional and confused earlier in the round, Biles was all smiles after her closing routine on various courts, in her uncomfortable gear, and it was being the only one of the four finals that he was almost certain about. – as expected – to miss.

Biles sits in the eighth and final qualifying spot after the second of five qualifying rounds, with Belgium’s former Olympic and two-time Olympic champion, Nina Derwael, yet to come. on Sunday.

Of course, injury permitting, Biles couldn’t have asked for more in her long-awaited return, the culmination of a journey that began in style. amazing after a year away after Tokyo, when he won four gold medals. one silver at the World Championships in Antwerp in 2023.

The technical leader of the American team, Chellsie Memmel, had described Paris as a “redemption trip”, not only for Biles, but also for four of the five members of the team that had fallen to the top of the group. of Tokyo, has been beaten by athletes who are no longer there. representing the Russian Olympic Committee.

It was fitting then that Biles returned to the Olympic arena in the gear that comforted her in Tokyo, as in an incredible act of bravery she got her last chance to win a medal despite suffering from the suffering he was talking about. with integrity and honesty.

Her score of 14.733 improved her score in Tokyo by nearly three-quarters of a point, and would place her second after two rounds, behind China’s Yaqin Zhou.

As if she wasn’t under enough pressure, Biles gave up her floor routine after a fall by her partner and defending Olympic champion Jade Carey, which knocked her out in the competition to keep the crown and it would have affected the US. qualifying points if Biles hadn’t arrived.

A certain chance. On the floor and floor, Biles is more than a quarter of a point ahead of her closest rivals, despite the tough prospect and potential injury woes.

For Biles’ teammates, her return to the Olympic arena is clearly an inspiration.

“We probably won’t see someone like Simon again for a long time – it’s great what he brings to the game,” said Britain’s Becky Downie.

It’s amazing that he’s back. What she’s done for the sport in general has been great for the sport, just bringing fitness to the wider community and inspiring a lot of young girls.”

With a wave to the four corners of the stadium and one last sleight of hand to skip the interview in the mixed media arena, Biles finally left, quickly followed by the crowd. the famous ones.

She and they will return for the women’s team finals in two days, where Biles’ already record-breaking tally is expected to grow, cementing her legacy, which will now argued, as the greatest gymnast in the world.