Simone Biles sat in the front row of the Ariake Gymnastics Centre stands, looking down on the Olympic women’s all-around competition that everyone, including the competitors themselves, expected her to dominate.
For eight years Biles was undefeated, a stretch that included five world all-arounds and the 2016 Olympic gold medal. Her brilliance knew no bounds. The degree of difficulty she could bring to a meet made her nearly invincible.
“Coming into this competition I didn’t even think I could be competing for a gold medal,” said Sunisa Lee. “I was competing for a silver medal.”Well, Biles was in the stands and Lee was on the floor, winning the actual gold medal.
The scene here was as surreal as it was unfortunate — Biles sidelined with mental health issues that impacted her ability to focus while competing in Tuesday’s team event. Biles withdrew from that after one awkward, dangerous, low-scoring vault attempt.The next day she decided she couldn’t defend her all-around title either. There is no word on whether she’ll appear in any of the four apparatus finals she qualified for when gymnastics returns Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
