By Belize Live News Staff: Belizean American gymnastics sensation Simone Biles overcame a calf injury during qualifying to secure spots in almost every final at the Paris Olympics. Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and beloved figure in the gymnastics world received a roaring welcome from fans in Paris as she began her Olympic campaign.
Despite a strong start on the beam and floor, Biles suffered a calf injury during practice for the vault. While she initially limped, Biles persevered and opted to compete, albeit with heavy strapping on her ankle. Despite the visible pain, Biles achieved the top vault score in qualifying, showcasing her incredible talent and determination.
“She felt a little something in her calf. That’s all,” said US coach Cecile Landi, emphasizing that Biles never considered withdrawing. The injury, which occurred weeks ago but resurfaced during competition, improved as the competition progressed.
Biles’ impressive performance, which included the highest floor score of the Games, was overshadowed only by reigning Olympic bars champion Nina Derwael of Belgium, who edged her out of the uneven bars final. However, Biles will still compete for gold in the team, all-around, vault, beam, and floor events.
Biles will face stiff competition from Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who also qualified for multiple finals. Andrade, the reigning Olympic all-around silver medalist and vault champion, poses a significant challenge for Biles in several events.
Biles’ journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by resilience and determination. After withdrawing from several events in the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health struggles, Biles has returned to the international stage with a renewed focus.
With the women’s team final on Tuesday and the all-around final on Thursday, Biles has a few days to recover and prepare for her remaining events. The individual apparatus finals will start on Saturday.
As Biles continues her quest for Olympic glory in Paris, her resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, especially those in her Belizean American community who proudly claim her as one of their own.
