The Palais Omnisports was the place to be on the second day of the Paris Olympics — to watch Simone Biles, of course, and to be seen.
A star-studded crowd attended the Olympic return of Biles, the most decorated athlete in the history of gymnastics.
Among the high-profile fans were Hollywood star Tom Cruise and Oscar-winning actor Jessica Chastain sitting under the roof of the packed arena.
Snoop Dogg had front-row seats, while Greta Gerwig, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Nick Jonas and Anna Wintour also attended Biles’ competition.
Snoop Dogg was in a partying mood and danced during the team’s presentations. Cruise was mobbed by fans and agreed to selfies, shaking a few hands.
Biles competed in the team’s qualifying alongside US teammates Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Sunisa Lee and Jade Carey. It was her first competitive appearance in Paris, where she will try to add to her already impressive tally of seven Olympic medals.
Also in attendance were USA snowboarder Shaun White and girlfriend Nina Dobrev. Athletes across the Olympic spectrum say they will make a point of catching the most decorated gymnast of all time in what could be the final competition of her unparalleled career. Among them are LeBron James and the US men’s basketball team, who were busy with Olympic qualifying.
Out on the floor, Biles didn't let some leg discomfort slow her down, posted an all-around total of 59.566, despite complaining of a left calf injury that had her limping.
Left leg taped
US gymnastics coach Cecile Landi says the issue popped up a couple of weeks ago and describes it as minor. Landi says there was no discussion of pulling Biles from the event.
"I can’t express it," she said. “I’m really proud of her and what she's been through, and what she’s showing the world she's capable of doing."
After dazzling on the balance beam, Biles appeared to tweak the leg while warming up on floor exercise during the second rotation. She exited the floor with Team USA doctor Marcia Faustin — a scene that played out three years ago in Tokyo, when Biles removed herself from the team final to protect her safety.
Biles, 27, returned to the floor a few minutes later with her left leg taped and was heard on camera saying she felt something in her calf.
She put on a show-stopping performance anyway.
SHARE ME