Gymnastics preview, Aug. 5: Simone Biles closes out gymnastics competition in Paris with 2 more medal opportunities

When Simone Biles is on the roster, many people automatically assume gold. However, the balance beam title is just about anybody’s game. 

China’s Zhou Yaqin, who is the reigning world silver medalist, finished the qualification round with the highest score, but not by much. Biles, the reigning world champion, finished just over a tenth below Yaqin and will be hungry for gold after winning bronze in Rio and Tokyo. 

Suni Lee is also targeting gold and has been very vocal about her goal when talking to the media. 

“Beam, I want to win this time around,” Lee said after winning bronze on the uneven bars the day before beam finals. “I feel like every single time I make it into a beam final I never really prove what I can do. So this time around I want to prove to myself that I can do it.” 

Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade could contend for a spot on the podium as well. Andrade qualified in third and only needs one more medal to surpass sailors Robert Scheidt and Torben Grael to become the most decorated Brazilian in Olympic history. 

BALANCE BEAM QUALIFICATION RESULTS: 
1. Zhou Yaqin (China) – 14.866
2. Simone Biles (United States) – 14.733
3. Rebeca Andrade (Brazil)  – 14.500
4. Suni Lee (United States)  – 14.033
5. Sabrina Maneca-Voinea (Romania) – 14.000
6. Manila Esposito (Italy) – 13.966
7.  Alice D’Amato (Italy) – 13.866
8. Julia Soares (Brazil) – 13.800