Simone Biles Secures Third Gold Medal in Vault Event at Paris Games

Simone Biles Secures Third Gold Medal in Vault Event at Paris Games

Team USA star Simone Biles took home the gold in the women’s vault on Saturday to add to her glowing return to the highest stage in gymnastics.

Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who also finished as the runner-up to Biles in the all-around, took the silver.

Fellow American Jade Carey earned bronze after a devastating error in Tokyo cost her a chance at a medal in the event.

The U.S. has had a sterling performance in gymnastics so far in the Paris Games. The U.S. women’s gymnastics team won gold in the all-around team final on Tuesday, followed by a gold for Biles and a bronze for Suni Lee in the individual all-around competition on Thursday.

Simone Biles of the U.S. competes in the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024.

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Simone Biles of the U.S. competes in the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024.

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After falling backward during her warmups on her Yurchenko double pike — officially known as the Biles II — she stuck it during the competition. She scored a 15.700, with the only blemish being her foot slightly out of bounds.

On her second vault, she scored a 14.900 to give her an average of 15.300.

Simone Biles of the U.S. competes in the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024.

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Simone Biles of the U.S. enters the arena prior for the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024.

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Andrade took to the runway after Biles knowing she would struggle to match Biles based on her vaults’ start values. Still, Andrade stuck her first vault for a score of 15.100 and her second for a score of 14.833 — and average of 14.966.

Carey was out for redemption after she tripped during an approach in the vault competition in 2021. Going last in the competition Saturday, she put down two strong vaults for an average score of 14.466.

Gold medalist Simone Biles of the U.S. hugs silver medalist Rebeca Andrade of Brazil after the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024.

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Gold medalist Simone Biles of the U.S. hugs teammate, bronze medalist Jade Carey after the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024.

Hannah Mckay/Reuters

The win by Biles brings her total Olympic medal count to 10 overall, including three from the Paris Games.

Biles earned her eighth Olympic medal on Tuesday in the team all-around to become the most-decorated American gymnast in history, breaking a tie with great Shannon Miller. She added her ninth in the individual all-around competition on Thursday.

Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade competes in the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024.

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The win was redemption for Biles, who lost to Andrade in the vault competition at world championships last year when she fell backward on her first attempt.

Biles also won gold in the vault final in Rio in 2016. Andrade won the vault in Tokyo when Biles pulled out of the competition.

Simone Biles, the American gymnastics superstar, has once again proven her dominance in the sport by securing her third gold medal in the vault event at the Paris Games. Biles, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, put on a flawless performance that left spectators and judges in awe.

The vault event is known for its high level of difficulty, requiring gymnasts to perform a series of complex flips and twists while launching themselves off a springboard onto a vaulting table. Biles executed her routine with precision and grace, showcasing her incredible strength, agility, and skill.

Biles’ victory in the vault event is a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication to the sport. She has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in gymnastics, setting new standards for excellence and inspiring a new generation of athletes to strive for greatness.

In addition to her gold medal in the vault event, Biles has also secured gold medals in the all-around and floor exercise events at the Paris Games. Her impressive performance has solidified her status as a true legend in the world of gymnastics.

Biles’ success at the Paris Games is even more remarkable considering the challenges she has faced in recent years. In 2018, she came forward as a survivor of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, bravely speaking out against the abuse and advocating for change within the sport.

Despite the obstacles she has overcome, Biles continues to shine on the world stage, captivating audiences with her incredible talent and unwavering determination. Her performance in the vault event at the Paris Games is just the latest example of her extraordinary skill and resilience.

As Biles celebrates her third gold medal in the vault event at the Paris Games, fans around the world are left in awe of her incredible talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. She is truly a force to be reckoned with and a role model for aspiring gymnasts everywhere.