As artistic gymnastics returns to the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Bercy Arena, fans can look forward to some thrilling moments and significant storylines in the sport that has been a staple of the Games since 1896.
1. Fireworks on the Vault
The women’s vault final is set to be a spectacular showcase of gravity-defying skill. American superstar Simone Biles is expected to dazzle with her most audacious move, the Biles II. This complex maneuver involves a Yurchenko double pike, where Biles performs a roundoff onto the springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the vault table with two back flips in a straight-legged pike position. Biles, who first executed this move at the 2021 US Classic and had it named after her at the 2023 World Championships, will be a key highlight.
Her main competitors include Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, who won the vault title in Tokyo in Biles’ absence and secured world gold in Antwerp last year. South Korea’s Yeo Seo-jeong, known for her ‘Yeo’ vault that earned her bronze in Tokyo, will also be a contender. Other challengers include Jade Carey, Biles’ American teammate and the 2022 world vault champion, and Mexico’s Alexa Moreno, who could further her impressive career with another medal.
2. Flying the Flag for Ukraine
Ukrainian gymnasts are arriving in Paris with a strong sense of national pride and significant recent success. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian team has been training in Croatia and has shown impressive results. Illia Kovtun led his team to European gold in April and claimed individual titles on parallel bars and high bar. Teenager Anna Lashchevska, a World Cup winner on the beam, rounds out the Ukrainian representation. A specially embroidered flag, made by a Ukrainian fan, will accompany the team, symbolizing their resilience and hope.
3. Home Advantage for France
France is eager to make its mark on home soil. The last time Paris hosted the Olympics, in 1924, gymnastics saw French athletes dominate in the men’s sidehorse vault. France’s most recent gymnastics gold came in 2004, and with the sport’s evolution over the past century, expectations are high. The host nation will be counting on Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos, the 24-year-old Martinique-born gymnast who led France to all-around bronze at the 2023 World Championships. With enthusiastic support from the home crowd at the Bercy Arena, France hopes to capture more gymnastics glory at Paris 2024.
Gymnastics at Paris 2024 promises to be a captivating blend of high-flying performances, inspiring comebacks, and a celebration of the sport’s rich Olympic history.
