Simone Biles sparks injury concern after fall in Olympic qualifying

The most successful gymnast of all time completed a stunning routine, but was limping after a fall

Jamie Braidwood
in Paris
Sunday 28 July 2024 13:02 BST
Comments
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo cheer on Simone Biles at Paris Olympics

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Simone Biles sparked injury concerns on the opening day of Olympics gymnastics qualification in Paris, where she began her bid for further gold medals with a stunning display.

The American star wore strapping on her left leg following her floor routine and was limping when walking, but still completed qualifying to set the leading individual score following the second session.

Biles’ coach, Cecile Landi, said the 27-year-old was dealing with a minor calf issue that had flared up during the floor routine, her second rotation of four on Sunday morning.

Biles, who is returning to the Olympics after suffering from the ‘twisties’ in Tokyo three years ago, appeared to tweak her leg while warming up on the floor exercise.

Biles left the arena and returned backstage with a Team USA doctor, where her lower leg was heavily strapped with brown tape around and below her foot.

However, a few moments later Biles completed a historic Yarachunko double pike on the vault - one of her signature moves - becoming the first woman to land it at the Olympics.

Biles wears strapping on her left ankle
Biles wears strapping on her left ankle (Getty Images)

Biles also completed her uneven bars routine and waved happily to the crowd after her final routine, even as she limped when leaving the Bercy Arena in Paris.

Biles topped the individual leaderboard in the all-around standings with a score of 59.566, almost three and a half points ahead of her American teammate and defending all-around champion Sunisa Lee.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in