?Thanks for Leading?: After Facing Unexpected Twist, Simone Biles? 20 Year Old Teammate Honors the Legend at World Artistic Gymnastics Championship 2023

The final day of the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics Championships ended with a bang and Simone Biles emerged victorious yet again. Leading the six-member women roster of team USA, the 26-year-old ensured the top spot clinch. On the team finals day, the incredible US women scored 167.729 to earn the well-deserved gold. Besides Simone,?Shilese Jones, and?Skye Blakely, Joscelyn Roberson also qualified for performing at two apparatuses. But an expected fate cost her a debut show.

Leanne Wong, the 2021 World all-round silver medalist, faced an unexpected turn of events. Having replaced the 17-year-old for the night, the 20-year-old Wong couldn’t thank the almighty enough. Further, she also thanked the person who deserved all the praises post win.

Simone Biles’ phenomenal leadership

The world loves her but Simone Biles is most loved by her teammates. The admiration that Biles receives exudes qualities of a leader. Be it Jones, Roberson or Wong, Simone leads the team by default. Clinching 36 medals across Olympic and World Championships, the 26-year-old has established herself as the greatest among men and women. In a recent Instagram post, she wrote “team finals. It was an interesting & unexpected night! I?m so proud of the fight Team USA put out ?? It?s such a blessing to represent the US at another World Championships! Also, go WCC.”?

To this, Leanne commented, “you?re incredible! Thanks for leading the way!” Since Simone anchored the team to the top spot, Wong gave all the credits to her. Winning by a margin of 2.199 points, the US team left the silver for Brazil. It was a close contest, but they made another history by tying with the Chinese male gymnasts team for the longest streak of consecutive team titles.

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Leanne’s unexpected win

The Team USA gymnastics team didn’t start their night on a good note. However, it was definitely a good run for a certain athlete. While Roberson was warming up on the vault, her left leg felt immovable. Unable to stand up, she froze on the mat after landing a bit short. Almost immediately, Laurent jumped to the rescue, and carried her to the medic. Despite missing out on her first World Championships performance, Roberson didn’t lose hope.

READ MORE: ?Ended up Not Qualifying:? Replacing Simone Biles Moments Before Walking Off Olympics, MyKayla Skinner Breaks Silence on Hard Part After Games Got Over

On the other hand, Wong, the reserved gymnast, just had her luck, as she replaced the 17-year-old for the night. Though her performance didn’t grab a position, the all-over team performance was enough for the gold. The 2020 Olympic team alternate has set her gymnastic career plans ahead of the 2024 Olympic season. Along similar lines, Biles, the star gymnast, having equaled Uchimara Kohei, now looks forward to breaking more records.