By Rory Carroll
PARIS (Reuters) – Simone Biles superfans turned out in droves at the Bercy Arena to get a close-up view of the star attraction of the Paris Olympics as she chased a second gold medal at the Games in Thursday’s woman’s gymnastics all-around final.
American supporters clad in red, white and blue praised the 27-year-old for the ease at which she pulls off her gravity-defying routines, including her signature vault and breathtaking floor exercise.
“She makes it look effortless, like she’s just brushing her teeth out there,” said Jeff Toy of Buffalo, New York.
Her fans also applauded Biles for opening up a conversation about mental health, which they said has helped to reduce the stigma associated with speaking up when someone needs help.
Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Games three years ago amid a mental health crisis that made performing her high-flying routines dangerous. After a two-year break from the sport to work on her wellbeing, she has returned happy, healthy and more dominant than ever.
“Mental health is a huge issue and for her to step up and be the face of that, letting people know that you can overcome it, is fantastic,” said Tara Greenley, a friend of Toy’s.
“It builds hope.”
Amanda Price and her mother Kim traveled from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and were all smiles before the competition kicked off.
“I’m so appreciative that she’s taken a whole person approach,” Amanda said.
“I think she had too much pressure on herself in Tokyo and it has been great to see her grow as a person and still excel in her sport.
“She has a great level of commitment and incredible talent.”
Luminaries from the sports and entertainment worlds have turned out to see Biles in Paris and Toy and Greenley came armed with big head cardboard cutouts of Biles, a goat, Sunisa Lee, Snoop Dogg and Taylor Swift.
Tom Cruise, Lady Gaga and Serena Williams are among those who have come out to see Biles compete in Paris. Swift, whose hit song “Ready for It” is used by Biles for her floor routine, has yet to make an appearance.
It’s unclear whether the pop megastar would try to attend Monday’s floor final.
“She has been hinting at it but she hints at a lot of things,” said Toy, who saw Swift perform in Paris in May.
“But if she came, people would lose their minds.”
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Paris, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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