The Palais Omnisports was the epicenter of excitement on the second day of the Paris Olympics, as spectators flocked to witness the return of Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history.
Among the high-profile attendees were Hollywood star Tom Cruise and Oscar-winning actor Jessica Chastain, who joined the packed Bercy Arena on Sunday. Lady Gaga, who performed at the opening ceremony, shared a video of Biles’ beam routine on Instagram, captioning it: “She nailed it, what an honor to be so close!”
Front-row seats were occupied by Snoop Dogg, who danced during the team’s presentations, while other notable figures like Greta Gerwig, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Nick Jonas, and Anna Wintour also cheered on Biles. Cruise was especially popular, taking selfies and shaking hands with fans.
Biles competed in the team’s qualifying round alongside U.S. teammates Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Sunisa Lee, and Jade Carey. Despite discomfort in her left leg, Biles posted an all-around total of 59.566, contributing to the Americans’ score of 172.296, well ahead of the competition.
Also present were USA snowboarder Shaun White and his girlfriend Nina Dobrev. Athletes across the Olympic spectrum, including LeBron James and the U.S. men’s basketball team, have expressed their desire to see the legendary gymnast in what could be the final competition of her extraordinary career.
