During the Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday, August 11, Simone Biles made a memorable exit, not just with the Olympic flag in her hand, but with a fashion accessory nobody anticipated — a protective boot.
On the grand stage alongside L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise, the 27-year-old gymnastics powerhouse gracefully handed over the Olympic flag, marking the transition from Paris 2024 to Los Angeles 2028. As she stood on stage, the unexpected sight of her wearing a boot piqued curiosity among viewers and fans worldwide.
"Calf is good," Biles told NBC News on Monday, August 5. "It's just precautionary, making sure, because we still have tour after this to heal up and all of that stuff. So, just a little bit of soreness." The Olympian, who won three gold medals and one silver medal during the Summer Games, is set to take the show on the road this fall with other gymnastic superstars for the Gold Over America Tour, performing in 30 arenas across the United States.
"I feel like elite athletes are pretty tough, so we're just, through pain or pleasure, we're ready for whatever," she told NBC as a video of her hurting her calf during her floor routine warmups was shown on screen. "So mainly, what you're seeing here is I was just trying to over-rotate for good measure, and I did just that and almost knocked [USA Gymnastics coach] Laurent [Landi] out. But it was good."
Biles wrapped up the Paris Olympics with a total tally of four medals, boosting her collection to an impressive 11 Olympic medals, making her one of the most decorated female gymnasts in history. "I accomplished way more than my wildest dreams, not just at this Olympics, but in the sport," the athlete said at a press conference. "So I can't be mad at my performances. A couple years ago, I didn't think I'd be back here at an Olympic Games, so competing and then walking away with four medals, I'm not mad about it. I'm pretty proud of myself."
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