USA Gymnastics announced this morning that Simone Biles will compete in the balance beam finals on Tuesday, reports the New York Daily News.
It will be her first event since dropping out of the team competition last week to care for her mental health.
“We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow – Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!!” USA Gymnastics announced early Monday morning. “Can’t wait to watch you both!”
Lee took the bronze in the uneven parallel bars Sunday, her best event. While pleased she hung on for the bronze, the all around gold medal winner also expressed disappointment that she didn’t do better.
The attention that came down on her and the numerous interview requests after winning the gold perhaps took its toll on Lee. The return of Biles in the balance beam event will undoubtedly take some pressure off Lee.
Biles is the reigning world champion on the balance beam and took the bronze in Rio in 2016. She will go in to Tuesday’s event as the favorite. No doubt she’ll have much of the United States and perhaps the world behind her.
Earlier today, Lee congratulated Team USA teammate Jade Carey for winning the gold medal on the floor excercise.
Team USA has now won a medal in each of the individual events. Mykala Skinner took the silver in the vault finals.
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