Simone Biles aims to add to her remarkable Olympic gymnastics career by winning the all-around title in Paris. The athletics programme begins at the Paris Games with 16 gold medals up for grabs. Storm warnings are in place due to extreme weather conditions.
Biles, who returned after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics due to the “Twisties”, is looking to become the first woman to regain the Olympic all-around title. She recently won team gold, making her the most decorated US Olympic gymnast with eight medals, five of which are gold.
Teammate Sunisa Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around champion, is also a strong contender. She overcame kidney conditions earlier in the year and is determined to perform well in Paris.
Other top contenders include Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who sees competing against Biles as an honor and recognizes her as a role model for athletes worldwide.
– ‘Red hot form’ –
The athletics programme kicks off with the walk races and features athletes like Italy’s Massimo Stano and Sweden’s Perseus Karlstrom. In the pool, young Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh is making waves, while South Africa’s Tatjana Smith aims to continue her impressive form in the breaststroke event.
Other events to look out for include kayak canoeing, fencing, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, and golf, where top players like Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler will compete.
The variable Paris weather could impact the events, with stormy conditions forecasted. Archery has already been affected by the weather, with the final session postponed.
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