Simone Biles has smashed the world record for the most medals won by any gymnast, male or female, after getting her hands on her 24th medal on the beam.
Just two hours after the 22-year-old American broke the record for the most decorated gymnast in the world, she added another medal to her collection after scoring 15.133 in floor exercise and taking home the gold.
For her tie-breaking 24th medal, Biles performed a near-flawless routine on the beam despite failing to secure a medal on the uneven bars.
“I think it’s impressive.point 133 | Also, I don’t really think of it going into the competition, because I feel that kind of weighs heavy on me.point 227 |
I just go in, do what I’m supposed to, and whatever the outcome is, I just kind of let it happen,” the young gymnast said after getting her 23rd medal and matching the leading mark with Belarusian Vitaly Scherbo.point 182 | 1
“Right now, I couldn’t be more happy with the performances I put out today. Obviously no medal on bars, but I’m not even mad about it.
“I knew going into today there was a very slim chance that I would even medal, but to make a bar final and get to represent the country, I feel really proud because this is not one of my strong suits. But it’s getting up there and I just feel really proud.”
Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, Turkey and the Philippines took home their first-ever gold medals in gymnastics.
While Turkey’s Ibrahim Colak scored 14.933 on the rings, Philippines’ Carlos Yulo took home the gold after performing the most demanding floor exercise and scoring 15.3.
As Yulo admitted, he hopes the gold medal he brings back home will be enough to inspire more young athletes to become gymnasts.
“Filipinos, they like basketball, but we’re small. Maybe they should try gymnastics first. It’s more fun,” he said.
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Replaced!