Simone Biles experienced a rare stumble at the Paris Summer Olympics, missing out on a gold medal for the first time in this competition, marking a significant comeback from her challenges in Tokyo three years ago.
In the individual beam final, Biles faltered and fell off the apparatus, a mistake that dashed her hopes of further cementing her legacy in France. The gold medal in the event was claimed by Italy’s Alice D’Amato, with China’s Zhou Yaqin taking silver and another Italian, Manila Esposito, securing the bronze.
In the floor final, Biles delivered an impressive performance, an apparatus where she had shined throughout the Paris Games. However, two out-of-bounds landings resulted in a deduction of six-tenths of a point, leaving her with a score of 14.133, just behind Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who took gold with a score of 14.166.
Her Performance Remains Extraordinary Regardless
Despite these setbacks, Biles’ overall performance at the Games remains extraordinary. She had already secured gold in the team event with Team USA, the individual all-around, and the vault final, setting new records.
Biles now holds 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds, making her the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time. At 27, she also became the oldest American gymnast to win an Olympic gold.
What Did Simone Say
Reflecting on her journey, Biles expressed pride rather than disappointment. “I accomplished way more than my wildest dreams – not just at this Olympics, but in this sport,” she shared with reporters.
“A couple years ago, I didn’t think I’d be back here at an Olympic Games, so competing and then walking away with four medals, I’m not mad about it. I’m pretty proud of myself.”
Biles had a chance to tie the record for the most Olympic gold medals by a woman if she had won both the beam and floor exercises. The record is held by American swimmer Katie Ledecky and Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, each with nine golds. Biles will have to wait until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles to attempt to reach that milestone.