Simone Biles reveals injured calf in protective boot after missing gold at Paris Olympics due to tumble

PARIS, FRANCE: Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, appeared wearing protective boots after the end of her 2024 Paris Olympics medal chase.

The 27-year-old lost her gold medal on the floor finals on Monday, August 5, after she slipped off the balance beam during warm-up, worsening a calf injury that had tormented her throughout the Paris Games. She fell off the apparatus, shocking the crowd that included NFL star Tom Brady. It was a painful end to her victories at Paris where she stood at second position behind Brazil's Rebeca Andrade. Biles also won three gold medals in her return to the Olympics.

Simone Biles says 'everything is good' post-Olympics interview

Simone Biles sat down for an interview on NBC on August 5, where she was seen wearing protective boots on her left foot.

"The calf is good, it's just precautionary, making sure," she said, as per Daily Mail. The Olympic medal winner added that her "calf is good," but it had a "little bit of soreness."

When asked whether the calf injury adversely impacted her routine on the floor, the gymnast said, "I feel like elite athletes are pretty tough so, through pain or pleasure, we're ready for whatever... but everything is good."

"So mainly, what you’re seeing here is, I was just trying to over rotate for good measure, and I did just that and almost knocked (coach) Laurent [Landi] on out. But it was good," Biles added, according to the New York Post.

With her four medals from the Paris Games, Biles secured her position as the GOAT of gymnastics after her withdrawal from multiple events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She now has 11 Olympic medals and deemed this year's games as “really special.” 

However, shortly after the fall, the gymnast blamed the audience at the Paris' Bercy Arena for making disruptive noises as she entered the beam final competition.

Simone Biles' protective boots after worsening calf injury divides Internet

Netizens debated over Simone Biles' appearance at the NBC interview with a protective boot after losing a gold medal due to a calf injury.

"It’s funny how she’s always injured if she doesn’t win gold," a user commented below Daily Mail's article.

"Ms Biles is a stunning athlete...her physical ability matched with her dedication are an inspiration...but at 27 years old its not heartbreaking to see her falter...only natural...like olga and nadia it has been a pleasure for me to watch her career...i would rather not see her fade less than gracefully," another remarked.

"Now the goat is blaming her calf and the noises for failing the floor and balance beam routines. Can't she just go away and retire quietly? lol," added a third user.

"Don't worry lov....give the rest a chance to win something, you've won just about everything else," read a fourth response.

"In six months she will be forgotten," another chimed in.

"She has to play the injury up for not sweeping Gold. Drama Queen GOAT. I won’t be surprised is she attends closing ceremony mines on a stretcher with an IV," an individual commented below New York Post's article.

"Simone really out here in a boot….queen right here fought till the end. Time for you to rest," someone else wrote on X.

"Wow. Simone Biles is in a walking boot tonight. We completely underestimate how much these athletes ignore their injuries to achieve what they do. Heal fast, Simone!" another user added.

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