It’s official: Simone Biles is the greatest gymnast in the world.
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You won’t catch her grimacing. “I was just hoping I would be able to get second”.
The other day, Karolyi said she considered Comaneci and Biles equals among those she’s worked with.
Simone Biles of US competes on the beam during the artistic gymnastics women’s individual all-around final at the Rio Olympic Arena, Rio de Janeiro August 11, 2016.
Who’s winning the 2016 Olympics? But under the tiebreaker system, Mustafina got the bronze and Raisman lost out.
Raisman dealt with the pressure, putting together her best floor routine of the competition with a 15.433 to finish almost a point and a half ahead of Mustafina in silver medal position, avenging a hard fourth place finish in London.
Simone Biles, who has gone undefeated in all-around competition since 2013 and has won three consecutive all-around titles at the world championships, won the Olympic all-around championship after a hard-fought competition at the Rio Olympics. She’s favored to win the vault and the balance beam golds and, along with Raisman, a co-favorite in the floor exercise. Biles gushed. “But that’s insane to think about”. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport/Getty ImagesRIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 11: Simone Biles (L) and Alexandra Raisman (R) of the United States celeberate after winning the gold and silver during the Women’s Individual All Around Final on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at Rio Olympic Arena on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Biles, already an OIympic champion after leading the “Final Five” to gold in the team event, was briefly challenged by European champion Mustafina. “And She said “me too”.
A decision that led to years of sacrifices and ultimately, the biggest night of her life. “I’m just Simone Biles, but it’s awesome to be recognized for all of this success for myself and for team U.S.”, she added. This is the second bronze Olympic medal in a row for the Russian gymnast.
Mustafina pulled out 15.666 on uneven bars, on which she is the reigning Olympic champion, to lead at the half-way point by 0.034 as Biles hit 14.966 on her weakest apparatus.
Biles packs so much difficulty into her routines that she starts with a point or two cushion.
Biles’ beam routine was a gorgeous demonstration of incredible athleticism. She finished first on the floor and first on the beam.
After a huddle and fist-bump from longtime coach Aimee Boorman, Biles went to work.
“She couldn’t stay on the beam to save her life”.
Douglas, 20, failed to make the cut to defend her title despite finishing third in qualifiers behind Biles and Raisman.
For both Americans, the chance to finish on floor exercise was flawless – the ideal stage for flaunting the full force of their athleticism and range of their artistry. Her 2.1 margin of victory was bigger than the margin of victory in the Olympic all-around competition from 1980-2012 combined. Her tumbling was powerful; her dance elements, sophisticated. Her victory was never in doubt and she burst into tears when her long journey to this moment ended when her final total was posted.
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She’ll be in good company. Teammate Aly Raisman came from behind in the last rotation to win silver, continuing an impressive Games for the American women.
