ST. LOUIS — At times during Simone Biles’ routines Friday night, the crowd in the Dome at America’s Center seemed to hold its collective breath and refrain from noise, as if the world’s best gymnast might falter.
As usual, she emerged from her performances on the bars and balance beam with the slightest of blemishes. When she stepped onto the stage for her floor exercise at the U.S. Olympic trials, the buzz was more about anticipation.
She was the lone performer in the middle of a football stadium with 17,503 sets of eyes glued to the spot. When it ended, most fans were on their feet, which is where Biles always lands.
