Besides exceptional performances, the gymnastics arena witnessed some instances of sisterhood. As the US team took home their 7th consecutive title, Simone Biles also sang her triumph song. Equaling the 34-year-old retired gymnastic great Uchimara Kohei’s record, the GOAT crowns herself again. Moreover, besides her uncountable accolades, the gymnastics stadium had two others hailing from the same center.
Joscelyn Roberson, the 17-year-old debutant, facing a major setback just on entry, showed her love for the other gymnasts throughout, portraying true sportsmanship. On the other hand, Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos, the French artistic gymnast harmonized with her worthy rivals. But they do have something in common that binds them together.
?17-year-old gymnastics starlet’s true spirits
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Melanie, who embarked on her training journey alongside Simone just a year ago, opened up about people loving gymnastics in the US. Along similar lines, her bond with Joscelyn received a decent amount of spectator attention. A user took to their ‘X’ handle to post an oh-so-beautiful video of them both. The post reads, “Joscelyn doing Melanie?s floor with her.” After the final score was released, the USA earned the gold with 167.729, and France trailed behind with 164.064 with bronze.
Joscelyn doing Melanie?s floor with her ? pic.twitter.com/LPsgF0f162
? jamie (@jordynsleftbrow) October 6, 2023
If there was anyone who was the most excited about her World’s debut, it was Roberson. Training under the guidance of Cecile and Laurent Landi at the WCC, the Texarkana native enjoyed a 180-degree career switch. However, her Worlds dreams shattered right when she began her warm-up session.
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Joscelyn’s brutal injury
Roberson, the most thrilling newcomer, unfortunately suffered an unexpected injury while warming up. Gymnastics Now posted the disappointing news of Roberson’s injury on their ‘X page. “Jocelyn Roberson (USA) is injured on VT in warm-ups. She’s being carried off”, they reported. Unfortunately, Roberson failed on her Cheng during her warm-up. She stood there hunched down, grasping for her ankles, clearly in pain when her coach came in. Laurent Landi, the head coach of Biles, carried her to the medic immediately. Later, the crutches became her only companion. The 2021 World all-around silver medalist Leanne Wong, who was originally set to compete on the balance beam, later took the place of the young gymnast.
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Despite several ups and downs, Joscelyn stood atop the podium when Team US waved their victory flag. And it’s no surprise that standing beside her idol Simone Biles was a dream-come-true moment for the WCC trainee.
Watch this story: ?With Apprehension for Paris Olympics in Air, Simone Biles Takes Her Next Steps After an Unreal Comeback