Simone Biles makes impressive return after 'twisties' in Tokyo
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Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles has made a dominant start to her Olympic campaign, posting an all-around total of 59.566 during the first day of the women's artistic gymnastics qualifying.
Biles, 27, showed no signs her previous struggles with the "twisties" would bring her down, coming out strong despite an early injury niggle with her left leg.
It was clear the crowd was thrilled to see the star back in action, erupting in loud cheers following her first dismount from the beam.
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Simone Biles prepares to compete on the balance beam. Getty
There were earlier concerns after Biles was heard on camera saying she felt something in her calf but stepped onto the competition floor with the leg taped.
She appeared just fine when Taylor Swift's Ready for It began playing and her routine, one of the hardest in the world, was solid.
She walked gingerly off the floor and sat off to the side for a moment before receiving a hug from longtime coach Laurent Landi.
Biles posted the highest score on the floor and vault through two subdivisions, a position she'll likely find herself in at the end of the day.
The American great is eyeing individual gold and with the five-woman US team alongside Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles and Hezly Rivera.
The Americans are heavily favoured to win the team gold after finishing runner-up to Russia three years ago in Tokyo.
However, there were some concerns after Carey had a dramatic finish to her floor routine.
Performing to Seven Nation Army, she appeared to be in control until she fell backward after trying to land a somersault.
Despite a shaky floor routine, her vault was executed with control, landing steadily.
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Biles finished with an impressive routine on the uneven bars, but she decided to skip attempting a unique skill she submitted to the International Gymnastics Federation on Friday.
She appeared to be in good spirits following her routine, waving to the crowd and dancing with friend and longtime teammate Chiles.
The Americans scored a 172.296, well clear of the field after two subdivisions as they search for what they're calling "redemption" after finishing runner-up to Russia three years ago.
Simone Biles produces the Yurchenko double pike. Stan
Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round. AP
Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, boasting a staggering 37 Olympic and world championship medals.
She won four gold medals and a bronze medal in her Olympic debut at Rio 2016.
The gymnast added two more medals to her Olympic tally at Tokyo 2020, winning a silver and bronze medal.
She was later forced to withdraw from the competition with what gymnasts call the "twisties", a phenomenon Biles described as becoming disoriented while "lost in the air".
The shock decision to walk away came shortly after a shaky performance on the vault.
Tom Cruise chats with fans in the crowd at Bercy Arena. Getty
Snoop Dogg was also there to support Team USA. Getty
The return of Biles on Sunday also attracted a bevy of celebrities to Bercy Arena.
Tom Cruise was spotted posing for selfies with fans before competition got underway, while rapper Snoop Dogg - who has become something of a mascot for Team USA - had front-row seats.
Musicians Ariana Grande and John Legend, Australian film director Baz Luhrmann, fashion icon Anna Wintour and actor Jessica Chastain were also on hand.
Team USA flagbearer LeBron James was also there to support Biles and the US team ahead of his team's opening match against Serbia later today.
- Reported with AP
