Tokyo Olympics: Biles takes bronze in final event

Simone Biles retook the gymnastics stage tonight after a week’s absence, electrifying the Tokyo Olympics on a day that saw world records smashed.

Simone Biles of United States reacts after performing artistic gymnastics women’s balance beam final at Ariake Gymnastics Center in Koto Ward, Tokyo 3 August.
Photo: AFP or licensors

China’s Guan Chenchen won the balance beam gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics while Biles of the United States returned to action to claim bronze.

Tang Xijing, also of China, took silver on the final day of competition at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre.

Not seen in competition since last Tuesday when she abruptly dropped out of the team event after one vault, citing mental health issues, Biles made a fearless return to win bronze and even more respect.

The bronze matched the one she won on the apparatus at the 2016 Rio Olympics and was her second of the Tokyo Games to go along with a silver in the team event.

Biles now has seven Olympic medals from two Games, four gold, a silver and two bronze.

She had abruptly dropped out of the team event earlier in the Games citing mental health issues and increasing the global spotlight on the pressures elite athletes face.

– Reuters