Simone Biles makes history with second Olympic gymnastics all-around gold medal

Simone Biles claimed her sixth Olympic gold medal on Thursday, her second at the Paris Games. She faced tough competition from Brazil's Rebeca Andrade but was able to win the women's all-around title for the second time.

The 27-year-old athlete reached the top of the gymnastics world again after winning her first Olympic all-around title in Rio eight years ago. She is now only the third woman to achieve this prestigious title more than once, joining Larisa Latynina of the Soviet Union (1956 and 1960) and Vera Caslavska of Czechoslovakia (1964 and 1968).

An incredible athlete who makes the impossible seem easy and the remarkable appear simple, Biles led the group of 24 gymnasts with 59.131 points. Andrade finished almost two points behind to earn her second silver medal from Tokyo. Biles’s teammate Suni Lee, the current Olympic all-around champion who has faced health challenges in recent years, took home the bronze medal.

"I was in shock when I accomplished it," Biles said later. "I'm aware of what I did, but it hasn't sunk in completely yet. I think it will sink in when I return to the Olympic Village. I'm thrilled with how I performed tonight. And there are still three more finals for me to compete in. Now it's time to enjoy myself, the most difficult part is done."

In addition, Biles has made history by becoming the oldest female Olympic all-around champion since Maria Gorokhovskaya of the Soviet Union won gold at the age of 30 in 1952. She follows a line of five other American women who have won the title consecutively: Sunisa Lee in 2021, Biles herself in 2016, Gabby Douglas in 2012, Nastia Liukin in 2008, and Carly Patterson in 2004.

The famous gold medal won by Biles was her 39th career medal from both the Olympics and world championships, solidifying her title as the most successful gymnast in history. Ever since claiming her first national championship in 2013, she has consistently won every all-around event she has competed in.

Even though Thursday's competition featured several former Olympic champions like Biles and Lee, the focus was mostly on the match between Biles and Andrade. Andrade, who was the runner-up at last year's world championships, had a total score just 0.366 points behind Biles in the team final on Tuesday.

Biles began her day on the vault, sprinting down the runway and leaping into a Yurchenko double pike, one of the most difficult vaults performed by a female gymnast in competition. Biles had decided not to try it in the team final on Tuesday. She received a score of 15.766, even though she took a few steps back on the landing, putting her comfortably in first place and 0.666 points ahead of Andrade, who nailed her Cheng with assurance. The competition was heating up.

After that, it was time for the uneven bars, which has usually been Biles's least strong event. Andrade started off the rotation with a beautiful routine, scoring 14.666, an upgrade from her previous score in qualifying. Biles followed Andrade but unfortunately made a big mistake when she went too high on her Pak salto transition down to the low bar after her pike Tkatchev. She then bent her knees to prevent touching the floor, her small 4ft 8in stature possibly saving her from an even greater deduction.

Biles received a score of 13.733, which was lower than expected, causing surprise among the audience as she fell into second place, trailing behind Andrade by 0.267 points after two rotations. However, Biles then dropped to third place when Algerian bars specialist Kaylia Nemour impressed the crowd with a graceful routine, earning a score of 15.533.

Over the years, the top sporting events have often been more like celebrations for the American star rather than competitive challenges. However, on Thursday, the renowned gymnast faced a question unlike any she had encountered before.

"I made a lot of mistakes on the bars, but I didn't give up. I kept pushing myself to do better. Rebeca also motivates me to be my best. She is an amazing athlete and gymnast, and having her there pushes me to work harder."

Biles started off the third round on the balance beam, confidently executing a challenging routine under intense pressure. She showcased her skills like a true champion and received a high score of 14.566, setting a positive tone for the team. The American fans in the crowd cheered loudly and showed their support for the team. Biles was all smiles and gratitude, completely forgetting any frustration she may have felt earlier.

However, Andrade stepped up to the challenge, delivering a flawless routine on the balance beam with only a few minor balance adjustments. With a score of 14.133, she closed the gap between her and Biles to just 0.166 points as they headed into the last round. The battle for the Olympic all-around gold would come down to their performances on the floor exercise.

Andrade, who performed the second-to-last routine, received a score of 14.033, surpassing the previous American record of 13.867 to potentially win the gold. As Biles ascended the carpeted stairs to the competition podium, the Swarovski crystals on her blue leotard sparkled under the spotlight, creating a mesmerizing sight all her own. Before beginning her flawless routine, she paused to savor the moment. With a wide grin on her face, Biles impressed the crowd with each tumbling pass, gaining momentum and confidence with each energetic move on the floor. The audience erupted in cheers as she showcased her skill and artistry.

In conclusion, I am extremely happy with how I performed and the effort I put in over the past three years, both mentally and physically, to return to competing on a global level," stated Biles, who achieved the highest scores on vault, beam, and floor exercise. "The Olympic Games is a fantastic opportunity, so I am incredibly proud. Seeing how much I have progressed since Tokyo and even since I was a 19-year-old in Rio is incredible. I am proud of myself for all the hard work I have put in and for never quitting."

Biles flaunted her gold medal while sporting a luxurious goat necklace in front of a lively crowd filled with famous celebrities, such as USA basketball players Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. The victory margin was the narrowest in a significant international gymnastics competition since Biles won her third world championship title in 2015. Despite the close competition, Biles emerged victorious in the end.