What a surprising, stunning final day of gymnastics!
The moral of the story here: Take nothing for granted.
No one was surprised to see the USA and Biles take gold in the team and all-around. No one was surprised by seeing Lee, Chiles and Carey take medals. All told, they took eight of a possible 11 medals and three of a possible six golds.
But gymnasts are always a moment, an instant, an inch away from missing it. They have to be perfect, then perfect again.
So this day should serve as a reminder how astounding the big-time performers really are when they keep hitting their routines in the big time. Andrade did it every time, putting pressure on Biles throughout and finally breaking through in the floor exercise when Biles was four steps less than perfect in one of the most difficult routines anyone could ever do.
The reason they can’t afford any slip-ups is that there are a lot of really good gymnasts here. Italy is leaving today with two worthy medalists – Alice d’Amato and Manila Esposito on balance beam.
Some favorites also faltered in the men’s events, but China’s Zou Jingyuan and Japan’s Shinnosuke Oka came through.
Forget the medal count for a moment. This was breathtaking. And it ends with Rebeca Andrade, who has had the misfortune of being one of the greatest of all time while the greatest of all time is competing, stepping onto the top step of the podium while her US rivals and friends literally bow in her direction.
Bryan Armen Graham was there and has this report. Thanks for following along in the early hours in the USA or the whatever hours wherever you are.
Updated
Tears, tears, everywhere. Biles and Chiles are hugging, and Chiles is overcome. Chiles’ parents are hugging and high-fiving. Jade Carey’s jaw drops.
We’re not getting shot of the Romanian camp, who must have thought that even if the Maneca-Voinea inquiry changed nothing, they’d still get bronze thanks to Barbosu.
