As Simone Biles closed out her final transcendent floor routine and acknowledged the judges, she held her arms above her head in a salute for as long as she could. It was partly a cheeky, sarcastic gesture, a reference to the deduction she seemingly received in the preceding final for not properly saluting to all judges, but it was also perfect. The Bercy Arena, filled again for one last glimpse of her this year, responded by saluting her in turn with a long, heartfelt ovation.
Although the American did not close out her Paris Olympics with a golden picturesque finish in a chaotic last day of artistic gymnastics, her final day of competition here was rather an exhibition of the sportsmanship and humanity that has accompanied her greatness. After a fall on the balance beam led to a fifth-place finish, Biles won a silver medal on the floor exercise.
