Paris 2024: Simone Biles misses fourth medal after beam fall

Posted : 05 August 2024

After securing gold in the individual all-around final, the women's vault, and the team all-around event, Simone Biles aimed for further triumph in Paris on the final day of gymnastics competition. However, amidst the struggles of many competitors to stay on the beam, Biles also experienced a fall, missing out on a medal. The gold went to Italy's Alice D’Amato, marking her as Italy's first-ever gymnastics champion. Biles finished fifth in the women's balance beam final, narrowly missing the chance for a fourth medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Italian team had much to celebrate with Manila Esposito taking bronze, while China's Zhou Yaqin claimed silver. Biles arrived at the final day of competition in Paris with three gold medals already secured from the Games, having won the individual all-around, the women's vault, and the team all-around events. Zhou Yaqin, who had qualified in first place, began the competition with a score of 14.100, which could have been higher if not for an error that required her to place her hands on the beam for balance.

There were gasps in the Bercy Arena when American Sunisa Lee (13.100) fell from the apparatus during her routine, with a double layout ending in a straddle over the beam before she crashed to the mat. As the pressure and nerves intensified, Brazil's Julia Soares (12.333) also fell during her performance.

Despite a wobble, reigning European champion Manila Esposito (14.000) delivered the first routine without major deductions, before Sabrina Maneca-Voinea slipped early in her routine, resulting in a score of 11.733.

Alice D’Amato displayed confidence and composure, being the first gymnast to flawlessly execute her routine, earning a leading score of 14.366.

Next was Biles, who was met with a huge ovation. However, similar to several of her competitors, the American superstar suffered a fall mid-routine.

Biles returned to the beam and finished with an impressive full twisting double back dismount. After a lengthy wait and discussion among the judges, it was determined that her score of 13.100 was not enough for a medal. Five-time Olympic medalist Rebeca Andrade also fell short of the podium with a score of 13.933, as her routine was deemed too safe.

Paris 2024: Simone Biles misses fourth medal after beam fall

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