Simone Biles, the queen of gymnastics, did it again! Not only did she lead the US women’s gymnastics team to the Paris Olympics final, but she also defied gravity with a gutsy performance that had the world holding its breath, including former 49ers’ star George Kittle’s wife. 

Claire Kittle took to her IG story, re-sharing USA Gym’s post after they snagged a spot in the final. She captioned it, “Her and these leos are everythingggg @simonebiles.” The US team, led by Biles, crushed it with a score of 172.296 in qualifying, securing their final spot with ease. With two of the five qualifying sessions complete, Biles topped the all-around standings with 59.566 points. But it wasn’t a cakewalk.

Biles, the GOAT of gymnastics, faced the pressure head-on after her Tokyo Olympics withdrawal due to dreaded ‘twisties’. Even with a leg injury during her floor routine, she smashed the highest scores on vault and floor, proving her legendary status. 

“It’s incredible. She’s an outstanding gymnast,” Chellsie Memmel, the U.S. women’s team technical lead, said after seeing the 27-year-old perform. “What she did looking like she had soreness in her leg is incredible.” British gymnast Ruby Evans didn’t fail to praise her fellow mate: “She’s just out of this world, isn’t she? We’ve never had anyone like her before.” Biles’ Coach Cécile Canqueteau-Landi summed it all up perfectly: “It’s Simone.”

With Biles at the helm, the US team is set to dominate in the final. Simone Biles has solidified her place as a champion (both on and off the mat!), despite a serious leg injury. 

Simone Biles battles through a leg injury during the qualifying round

The undisputed queen of gymnastics injured her leg during the Paris Olympics qualifying round. While warming up for the floor exercise, Biles pulled her left leg while landing during the Biles routine (a double layout with a half-twist). The GOAT was clearly in pain, and soon left the floor for a quick check-up with co-coach, Laurent Landi, and Team USA’s Dr. Marcia Faustin. 

Despite the obvious discomfort, Biles returned to the mat, taped up and determined. While on the NBC Broadcast, she said, “[the leg] hurts to push off,” she nailed the incredibly difficult Biles II—a move that would make most gymnasts weep. Sure, she stepped out of bounds, but that’s like a QB overthrowing a WR—it happens. 

Biles’ coach Landi revealed that the calf issue had been bothering her for a couple of weeks. But this is Simone we’re talking about! “Withdrawing from the competition is never in her mind,” Landi emphasized. Of course, Biles ain’t the one to back down from a challenge. 

The world held its breath as Biles powered through the pain with a jaw-dropping performance, proving once again she’s unstoppable.