The U.S. women’s gymnastics team completed their redemption tour by winning gold at the Olympics. They returned to the top of the medal
podium after winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Italy won its first Olympic team medal in 96 years, taking silver. Brazil earned its first Olympic team medal ever, winning bronze.
Simone Biles now has eight Olympic medals, including five gold. She surpasses Shannon Miller as the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast in
history. Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera are now part of the fourth American team to win Olympic gold in this event.
Biles felt relief after landing her vault. This event previously gave her the 'twisties' in Tokyo, forcing her to withdraw. "I was like, phew, at least no
flashbacks or anything," Biles said. "I did feel a lot of relief and after I landed vault I was like, 'Oh yeah, we're definitely going to do this.'"
Carey, the reigning Olympic champion on floor, did not compete in the event final after a scary fall in the qualifying round. "This means everything to
me," Carey said. "This week hasn't gone how I wanted, but I'm grateful I could compete tonight and help the team."
Rivera, the youngest member of the U.S. delegation across all sports, did not compete in any lineups. The U.S. relied on its veterans. Biles and Chiles competed in all four events, while Lee competed in
uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. "It's been an amazing experience," Rivera said. "Even practicing with them is so amazing because I see how everybody is working so hard. I'm so proud of this team and loved supporting them tonight."
Great Britain had a remarkable turnaround, finishing fourth. Despite injuries to many top athletes, they advanced from seventh in
qualifications to the final. They had won bronze in Tokyo but could not secure a medal this time.