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Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
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Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles returns to win bronze as China’s Guan and Tang grab gold and silver

  • The 24-year-old, who withdrew from several events citing mental health, lands a double pike to win seventh Olympic medal
  • China favourite Guan Chenchen scores a stunning 14.633 to ensure another mainland gold, with Tang Xijing not far behind

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Simone Biles hugs Ellie Black, of Canada, during the women’s balance beam final at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: EPA
Andrew McNicol
Simone Biles clinched a bronze medal upon her return to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games mats having pulled out of several individual and team events because of mental health concerns.

Biles, the reigning all-around champion after dominating the event at the 2016 Rio Games, scored a 14.000 after a solid balance beam final routine and double pike dismount at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre. She was all smiles while embracing coach Cecile Landi and surrounding competitors.

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Chinese gymnasts beat American Simone Biles to claim gold and silver Olympic medals on beam

Chinese gymnasts beat American Simone Biles to claim gold and silver Olympic medals on beam

China’s Guan Chenchen and Tang Xijing performed near-flawless routines to earn 14.633 and 14.233, respectively, to finish atop of the podium.

Earning her seventh Olympic medal, Biles ties the US record for most Olympic medals won by a gymnast. It was her and the team’s last event of the Games. She reportedly said in the past that one of her biggest career achievements was winning the Rio 2016 beam bronze. American Sunisa Lee, who has won one gold, silver and bronze at the Tokyo Games, came fourth.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Biles announced her first withdrawal from the team’s all-around competition final last Tuesday after an uncharacteristically low-scoring performance in the vault earlier in the day.
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