The U.S. women’s gymnastics team claimed the top spot on the podium at the Olympics on Tuesday, securing the gold medal for the fourth time in the team’s history. This victory marks the team’s first gold since 2016, with a total score of 171.296 points. Italy, who made a surprising surge to the silver medal, finished with 165.494 points, earning their first Olympic gymnastics medal since 1928. Brazil rounded out the top three, taking home the bronze medal with 164.497 points.
Simone Biles, a three-time Olympian and gymnastics superstar, led the U.S. team to victory, despite a few missteps in their routines. However, the team’s significant lead ensured that these mistakes did not impact the final outcome. Biles’ teammate, Sunisa “Suni” Lee, proved to be a crucial component of the team’s success, particularly in her performance on the uneven bars, which helped secure the gold medal.
Lee’s achievement is all the more remarkable given her recent health struggles. In 2023, she battled a severe kidney disease that caused her body to swell and left her uncertain about her future in the sport. Her resilience and determination paid off on Tuesday, as she played a key role in the team’s victory.
Following the win, Lee spoke about the team’s camaraderie and the support she received from her teammates, including Biles and Jordan Chiles. “We’re just trying to support and lean on each other,” Lee said. “It’s really hard to be doing what we are doing, and it’s easier if we can lean on each other.”
The U.S. women’s gymnastics team will next compete in the all-around competition and individual event finals for the balance beam, vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise. Biles, who now holds the record as the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, has the opportunity to add to her impressive collection of medals. With this victory, she has won her fifth gold medal and eighth medal overall, and is poised to become the American gymnast with the most gold medals in Olympic history.
