PARIS (AP) — Simone Biles made her much-anticipated Paris Olympics debut on Sunday and led her qualifying group despite getting her left ankle taped after complaining of discomfort.
Biles posted an all-around total score of 59.566 despite complaining of a left leg injury that had her limping. Biles appeared to tweak the leg while warming up on floor exercise during the second rotation. She had the ankle taped and then returned to put on the kind of show-stopping performance that has long been her signature.
She was still limping when she left the venue.
Her U.S. teammate Sunisa Lee finished second and U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles third.
U.S. gymnastics coach Cecile Landi said she was super proud of Biles but did not specifically address the injury.
“I can’t express it,” she said. “I’m really proud of her and what she’s been through and what she’s showing the world what she’s capable of doing.”
Biles did not try her new element in her uneven bars routine. The execution was flawless. She has dismounted and waves to the crowd, who responds with a huge roar. After looking somber earlier in the day, she now smiles. Score 14.433.
Biles had her left ankle taped after complaining of discomfort following her beam routine. She briefly left the floor but continued her quest to return atop the Olympic podium.
The 27-year-old American and the five-woman U.S. gymnastics team took the floor at a packed, star-studded Bercy Arena.
Among the high-profile fans were Hollywood star Tom Cruise and Oscar-winning actor Jessica Chastain. Snoop Dogg had front-row seats while Greta Gerwig, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Nick Jonas and Anna Wintour also attended Biles’ competition.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
