Simone Biles wins women's all-around gymnastics gold in Rio
Three-time world champion Simone Biles has struck individual gold, winning the women's all-around individual competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The 19-year-old American and four-time national champion was the overwhelming favorite to stand on top of the podium during Thursday's competition, and she didn't disappoint. Biles delivered a near-flawless floor exercise routine that scored a whopping 15.933 and erased any doubts about her all-around dominance.
And with that - @Simone_Biles has won #TeamUSA’s 990th Olympic #gold medal! pic.twitter.com/MbbIqJyR8G
— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) August 11, 2016
Biles' American teammate Aly Raisman, who was denied a spot on the all-around podium during the 2012 London Games, found redemption in Rio with an amazing 15.433 on the floor exercise to earn silver.
The moment @Aly_Raisman knew she had secured silver! ?? pic.twitter.com/4iiwOQGgtE
— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) August 11, 2016
Aliya Mustafina of Russia led the competition after the first two rotations, but her beam and floor routines were no match for Biles and Raisman. She ended up with the silver.
They did it. No words...Tune in tonight on NBC to see these two in the all around competition. Dreams do come true❤️ pic.twitter.com/In4sKwm0Pl
— Nastia Liukin (@NastiaLiukin) August 11, 2016
Biles became the fourth straight American woman to win the all-around title and fifth overall while cementing her reputation as the greatest gymnast of her generation ... maybe ever. Her long journey to this moment was felt as Biles burst into tears when her final total was posted.
