PARIS (AP) — Watching the celebrations after the Paris Olympics women’s gymnastics team final Tuesday, it was impossible to tell who had won.
The Simone Biles -led U.S. team? Brazil star Rebeca Andrade and her teammates? Or the Italian team led by 17-year-old Manila Esposito?
Athletes from three nations erupted in cheers when the final scores flashed on the giant screens inside raucous Bercy Arena. As the legion of American fans started to chant “U.S.A! U.S.A!”, their Brazilian counterparts danced and waved blue, green and yellow flags. The Italians hugged each other warmly.
The Americans’ total of 171.296 made Biles the most decorated Olympic gymnast in U.S. history with an eighth gold medal.
But it was a historic day for Italy and Brazil, too.
Italy’s silver medal was its first in the event since 1928, while Brazil had never won a team medal before.
“We have yet to realize what that means,” said Italian Alice D’Amato when asked about the second-place finish.
The Brazilian team was the last to leave the arena floor. They lingered below the grandstand, and Andrade was even hoisted up by teammates so she could hug supporters hanging over the railing.
“It’s magical that we did it,” said Brazil’s Jade Barbosa. “It’s pure magic. Brazil wasn’t big in this sport. We had a lot of great individuals, but now we have a great group of gymnasts.“
The Italian team finished with a score of 165.494 to better Brazil’s 164.497 after Angela Andreoli delivered a strong routine on floor.
“I knew that it was an important routine to be on the podium,” Andreoli said. “I was under pressure, but my partners were able to help me keep my cool.”
Brazil’s hopes for a podium finish were almost ruined before the competition started when Flavia Saraiva injured hurt her right eye during warmup.
“I could not see, it bled, but the team’s doctor told me everything was all right” Saraiva said. “I believe my knee hit my eye when I tripped. It’s not the first time it happens to me. Maybe I will need some stitches.”
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With a bandage above her eye, Saraiva soldiered on. She was cautious on the bars and did not fall on the beam, then performed an easier version of her floor exercise and finished off her night with a strong vault.
“We are warriors,” Saraiva said.
Her teammate Andrade was excellent on the four apparatus, delivering superb layouts on the floor coupled with a 15.100 on the vault. If she performs at that level during Thursday’s all-around final, she could give Biles a run for gold.
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