Team USA and Brazil Gymnastics Make History on Olympic Podium
Team USA gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee aimed for a redemption medal for the final time at the 2024 Paris Olympics individual all-around.
On August 1, Biles and Lee stepped to the Olympic mat at the individual all-around competition, performing a memorable night to remember. Representing the USA, Biles took home gold, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade won silver, and Lee won the bronze.
The gymnasts started their night strong on the vault. Lee kicked off the event with a clean Yurchenko double fold, scoring 13.933. Andrade scored 15.100 on a flawless Chung vault. Biles competed with Yurchenko double pike (Biles II), earning the highest score of 15.766.
Heading to the uneven bars, Andrade executed a perfect routine, resulting in a score of 14.666. Biles competed next and had a few hiccups, scoring a 13.733. The bar is considered her weakest apparatus, and during her routine, she appeared too far when reaching for the low bar, causing her to take an extra swing. Lee had a shaky warmup but competed last with a show-stopping routine, scoring a 14.866.
Biles competed first on the balance beam, scoring a 14.566 with only a few wobbles. Lee performed fourth, having some minor deductions, scoring a 14.000. Andrade competed last, performing a solid routine with only small wobbles. While competing, Biles cheered for her competitor on the sidelines, smiling once Andrade’s score of 14.133 was revealed.
This is called mental toughness! 14.000 on beam for Suni Lee!!!! pic.twitter.com/bkrXfNPClu
— Poor Lawyer (@poorlawyer) August 1, 2024
Lee performed fourth on the floor, completing one of her career’s best routines. After sticking her first pass, she grinned as the crowd roared excitedly. She received a 14.033, securing a spot on the podium. With Andrade up next, she stepped out of bounds on her first tumbling pass, causing a small deduction. But she finished strong with a 14.033, securing a medal.
All eyes were on Biles as she performed last. Starting with her signature triple-twist double-back, Biles smiled brightly throughout her routine. The athlete stepped off the floor and hugged her coach and teammate as they desperately waited for her score. The crowd erupted once her score of 15.066 solidified her gold medal.
A particularly amazing part of these three Suni Lee, Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles floor routines in a row was how much they were all smiling throughout. (While doing insanely difficult skills!) The Olympics rock. pic.twitter.com/VuE2PlYWyI
— Ella Brockway (@ellabrockway) August 1, 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be written in the history books as several records were broken. On July 30, Biles became the most decorated US gymnast in history and is setting new records as she continues to win. At 27, she is the oldest Olympic champion in 72 years, since 1952 when Soviet Union Maria Gorokhovskaya won at 30. Taking to the podium, Biles received her ninth Olympic medal, gold, Andrade won silver, and Lee won bronze.
Cemented in history. @Simone_Biles ends her #ParisOlympics as the second most decorated women’s gymnast of all time. pic.twitter.com/r8iDFhHkl5
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 5, 2024
For the first time in history, two previous Olympic champions competed against one another and stood on the podium together.
My faves!!!! https://t.co/rHzTUjJFjA
— Poor Lawyer (@poorlawyer) August 2, 2024
Lee posted to Instagram, “This medal goes deeper than gymnastics. I can’t even begin to express how much my health has taken away from me & the strength it has taught me, so to be here is the greatest achievement of all. Grateful for the opportunity to be able to represent team USA at my second olympic games! thank you for all the support.”
Additionally, Biles’ gold all-around medal continues Team USA’s winning streak. For six straight Olympics, the US has won an all-around gold medal.
To view Simone Biles’ highlights from the 2024 Paris Olympics, click here.
