TOKYO — U.S. Gymnastics star Simone Biles returned to Olympic competition on Tuesday, competing in the balance beam final, taking home the bronze medal after she shocked the world by withdrawing from several competitions last week to focus on her mental health.
Biles had some small wobbles during her routine but smiled with pride as she landed on the mat. Following her routine, she waved to the crowd and media while hugging her teammates and competitors.
The 24-year-old scored 14.000 points but China’s Guan Chenchen beat her with a score of 14.633 to take home the gold medal and her Chinese teammate Tang finished on 14.233 for the silver medal.
The International Gymnastics Federation said Biles’ routine consisted of: “3/1 wolf turn. Front aerial jumps. Back handspring to two layout step-outs. Switch to switch 1/2, pause, back pike. Side aerial. And two back handsprings to terrific double pike dismount.”
By winning the bronze medal, Biles now has seven Olympic medals overall and her second bronze in balance beam.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
