The 2016 Olympics in Rio has been an eventful one for all of us, but probably the most for Simone Biles. She was chosen by a vote from other Team USA members.
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Gymnast Simone Biles has been selected as United States’ flag bearer for the closing ceremony in Rio, Team USA announced Saturday.
Ibtihaj Muhammad, who won individual bronze and team bronze in fencing, became the first American athlete to both compete and claim a medal wearing the hijab of her Muslim faith. They knew Simone won her Olympic semifinal heat, was the champion in the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle events at the 2015 AT&T Winter Swimming Nationals and the first junior swimmer, in 2013, to break the 25-second barrier in the 50-meter freestyle.
If you enjoyed this story, read about Laurie Hernandez’s first endorsement deal, or Simone Biles getting a kiss from Zac Efron! “I’m just so blessed to have a gold medal”. The feat is even more awesome given that Jorgensen had never competed in the event until seven years ago and qualified for the 2012 London Olympics just a year after she started her elite training. From the US gymnasts to Katie Ledecky to the Americans’ dominance on the basketball court, here are the 16 most memorable moments from the Olympics.
And aside from the Ryan Lochte incident, it was a near-perfect Olympics for the Americans.
Brazil beat mighty Italy, 25-22, 28-26, 26-24, for the home team’s first Olympic men’s volleyball title since Athens in 2004.
China’s loss was the rest of the world’s gain as nine nations shared gold-medal success, with the Americans topping the table thanks to the breathtaking tumbling skill of Biles.
Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila performs with his three daughters and one granddaughter during the closing ceremony in the Maracana stadium at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on August 21, 2016. So I said to myself, “Hmm, maybe they didn’t think she would do well, but then again she did win her semifinal race yesterday …”
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As for her plans after Rio, Biles isn’t ruling out trying to return to the Olympic team for Tokyo’s 2020 Summer Games. But she didn’t expect to win gold.
