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Simone Biles posted an all-around total of 59.566 in the women’s gynmastics second qualifying group for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The U.S. team is heavily favored to win gold after finishing second to Russia in Tokyo.
Biles briefly left the floor and had her left ankle taped after her beam routine. She said she has discomfort in her left leg.
Olympics spokesperson: We meant no disrespect with ‘Last Supper’ tableau
Delegations arrive at the Trocadero as spectators watch French singer Philippe Katerine performing on a giant screen, in Paris, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024 in Paris. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP)
Olympics organizers apologized Sunday to anyone who was offended by a tableau that evoked Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” during the glamorous opening ceremony.
Religious conservatives from around the world decried the segment, with the French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops deploring “scenes of derision” that they said made a mockery of Christianity.
The ceremony’s artistic director Thomas Jolly had said it was meant to celebrate diversity and pay tribute to feasting and French gastronomy.
▶ Read more about the wacky and subversive Olympics opening ceremony
Surfers sleep on a cruise ship in Tahiti, a first for the Olympics
Tatiana Weston-Webb, of Brazil, wipes out during the first round of the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. (Ben Thouard/Pool Photo via AP)
Cardboard beds might be Paris’ solution to providing athletes a place to sleep for the 2024 Olympics.
But some 10,000 miles away in Tahiti, where the surfing competition is taking place, it’s a cruise ship.
Olympic officials say it is the first-ever floating athlete village.
▶ Read more about the event at the Olympics in Tahiti, halfway around the world from most of the action in France.
Triathlon training event in Seine River canceled over water quality concerns
FILE – The Seine rivers flows though Paris, with the Eiffel Tower at center, in Paris, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, file)
Early Sunday, organizers canceled a pre-race triathlon event planned for the Seine River over continued concerns about water quality.
Heavy rain during the opening ceremony revived concerns over whether the Seine will be clean enough to host swimmers when the triathlon competition starts on Tuesday.
▶ Read more about the Seine River water and Paris Olympic organizers’ efforts
Biles has minor calf issue
Landi said Biles’ calf issue issue popped up a couple of weeks ago and described it as minor. Landi said there was no discussion of pulling Biles’ from the event.
IN PHOTOS: Tom Cruise, Ariana Grande and more celebs turn out for Simone Biles
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Actor Tom Cruise takes pictures with fans during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Frankie Grande, left, Ariana Grande, center, and Cynthia Erivo, right, attend the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Anna Wintour, Vogue editor, speaks with attendees at the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Nick Jonas, middle left, John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen, right, attend the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Snoop Dogg attends the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Actor Tom Cruise, center right, watches during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Jessica Chastain, center, wears a top with an American flag fashioned onto it as she attends the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Actor Tom Cruise takes pictures with fans during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Actor Tom Cruise takes pictures with fans during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Frankie Grande, left, Ariana Grande, center, and Cynthia Erivo, right, attend the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Frankie Grande, left, Ariana Grande, center, and Cynthia Erivo, right, attend the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Anna Wintour, Vogue editor, speaks with attendees at the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Anna Wintour, Vogue editor, speaks with attendees at the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Nick Jonas, middle left, John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen, right, attend the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Nick Jonas, middle left, John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen, right, attend the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Snoop Dogg attends the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Snoop Dogg attends the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Actor Tom Cruise, center right, watches during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Actor Tom Cruise, center right, watches during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Jessica Chastain, center, wears a top with an American flag fashioned onto it as she attends the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Jessica Chastain, center, wears a top with an American flag fashioned onto it as she attends the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The Palais Omnisports was packed with celebrities there to watch Simone Biles. Read more about who was there.
U.S. gymnastics coach on Biles: “I’m really proud of her”
U.S. gymnastics coach Cecile Landi said that she was proud of Biles but did not specifically address what happened with her leg.
“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.”
Rafael Nadal will play tennis singles
Nadal’s manager says he will compete in tennis singles. His first-round match is scheduled for Sunday afternoon against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.
IN PHOTOS: Simone Biles performs in qualifying
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the uneven bars during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics at Bercy Arena, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the floor exercise during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics at Bercy Arena, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the vault during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the vault during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the uneven bars during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the uneven bars during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics at Bercy Arena, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics at Bercy Arena, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the floor exercise during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics at Bercy Arena, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the floor exercise during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics at Bercy Arena, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the vault during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the vault during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the vault during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles, of United States, performs on the vault during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Biles finished first in all-around in her qualifying group with a score of 59.566, 3.434 ahead of Sunisa Lee, who is second, with fellow U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles third.
She was still limping when she left the venue.
The five U.S. gymnasts have crushed the filed in their subdivision. They are now posing for photographers. The final results of qualification won’t be known until late Sunday when all other countries have finished their respective rotations. The U.S. team has a 5.435-point lead over Italy, with China in third place for now.
Biles now leads all qualifiers in her group with an all-around score of 59.566. The U.S. team total of 171.33 is also first.
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 is first in her qualifying group on the vault and floor exercise and second to Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour on balance beam going into the uneven bars, her final apparatus.
Biles is warming up on the uneven bars, under the careful eyes of both coaches Laurent and Cecile Landi. She has now dismounted and waves to people in the crowd. She does a bit of stretching but does not seem to be in pain.
Biles was seen limping after her landing. She will next move to her uneven bars routine where she is hoping to unveil a new skill that if she completes will be named after her
Biles made an easier attempt on her second vault and scored a 14.8.
After Biles teammates Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey both delivered clean vaults, it’s now her turn to take on the apparatus. She is speaking with coach Cecile Landi. Let’s see if she tries her signature Yurchenko Double Pike. She is the only woman to perform it in competition.
Biles and her U.S teammates are now on vault. Biles has been warming up with her left ankle taped. It’s unclear whether she had a problem with her leg or if it’s just a precaution.
Simone Biles says she has calf discomfort during Olympic gymnastics qualifying but keeps competing
Simone Biles briefly left the floor and said she has discomfort in her left leg but continued her quest to return atop the Olymipc podium Sunday.
The 27-year-old American and the five-woman U.S. gymnastics team took the floor at a packed, star-studded Bercy Arena during the second qualifying subdivision for the Paris Games on Sunday. The Americans are heavily favored to win the team gold after finishing runner-up to Russia three years ago in Tokyo.
Biles dazzled during her opening beam routine, then briefly left the floor with USA team doctor Marcia Faustin. She returned a short time later and spent several minutes sitting and watching her teammates.
Biles was heard on camera saying she felt something in her calf but stepped onto the competition floor with the leg taped. She appeared just fine when Taylor Swift’s “Ready for It” began playing and her routine — the hardest in the world — was solid. She walked gingerly off the floor and sat off to the side for a moment before receiving a hug from longtime coach Laurent Landi.
She received a 14.600, assuring her a spot in the event finals next week.