Simone Biles, recognized as the most accomplished gymnast ever, returned to the Olympic stage on Sunday, showcasing her prowess in the gymnastics qualifying session. At 27, she is hailed as the G.O.A.T. after taking a break to focus on her mental health, which included her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics.

During the qualifying session in Paris, Team USA took the top spot, finishing with a remarkable score of 172.296. Biles, alongside fellow Olympians Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, exhibited remarkable skill on the balance beam, vault, floor, and uneven bars, even though she appeared to struggle with a calf injury during warm-ups. Footage showed her crawling back from the vault and expressing the need for a wheelchair to a teammate, suggesting she was in discomfort.

Despite this injury, Biles executed an impressive vault routine, including her signature Yurchenko double pike, earning a high score of 15.8 while her ankle was heavily taped. Women's gymnastics coach Cecille Landi reported that while Biles had experienced some calf issues in recent weeks, her determination to compete never wavered. By the session's conclusion, Landi noted improvements in Biles' condition.

Looking ahead, Biles and fellow former all-around champion Sunisa Lee are set to make history as both represent the same country in the finals. Landi praised Biles' performance, acknowledging that although it was great, there remained opportunities for improvement. With a crowd in attendance that included various celebrities, Biles' return was not only a personal achievement but an event that captivated the audience, including stars like Lady Gaga, who shared their admiration for her performance on social media.