Simone Biles star-studded comeback, swimming showdown awaits

Simone Biles scored an astounding 15.800 on vault. GETTY IMAGES

Gymnastics icon Simone Biles dazzled in her long-awaited return to the Olympic stage on Sunday as Paris braced for a blockbuster swimming duel on an action-packed day two at the Games. Biles posted an all-around total of 59.566 during qualifying despite limping from a left calf injury.

Her comeback drew attention even from A-list celebrities with Hollywood’s Tom Cruise, Jessica Chastain, and “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig in attendance. Pop singer Ariana Grande and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour were also among the apt crowd in the packed Bercy Arena.

The 27-year-old four-time Olympic champion opened her qualifying with a flawless performance on the beam, which included a two-layout stepout series and a full-twisting double back dismount, scoring a 14.733. 

Biles posted the highest score on floor, earning a 14.666 even after coming back from warm-up with a heavily taped ankle.  She then scored a massive 15.800 on vault, showcasing her trademark Yurchenko double pike to the rafters, needing several steps backwards to control it.

She decided to skip attempting a unique skill on uneven bars she submitted to the International Gymnastics Federation on Friday. Instead, she did her usual set to score a 14.333. She tried to keep from putting too much weight on her leg following her dismount.

Biles’ return was one of the highlights of day two which will see 13 gold medals up for grabs in sports including shooting, mountain biking, skateboarding, archery, canoeing, fencing and swimming.

Later in the day, more than just golds are up for grabs at La Defense Arena swimming pool, where Britain’s Adam Peaty faces a duel with China’s world champion Qin Haiyang in the 100m breaststroke. World and Olympic record-holder Peaty is trying to match swimming legend Michael Phelps and win a third straight gold medal in the same event in a clash with 200m world record-holder Qin.

France’s Leon Marchand was on a mission to make his country proud as he cruised to fastest time in the preliminaries of the 400-meter individual medley. 

The 22-year-old Marchand pulled away in his heat to touch in 4 minutes, 8.30 seconds, with the 15,000 fans at the arena chanting on every stroke. Marchand is looking for his first gold and is a favourite for the evening final. 

The women’s 100m butterfly title is also in the running with three-time Olympian Emma McKeon of Australia vying for her last-ever chance for an individual Olympic medal before she retires. It won’t be easy with American world record holder Gretchen Walsh bidding for the coveted gold.



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