Paris Olympics: Biles bombs out on balance beam, China’s gymnasts pick up trio of medals
- Zou Jingyuan takes gold on men’s parallel bars, Zhou Yaqin silver as Simone Biles falters, Zhang Boheng bronze on horizontal bar
Simone Biles’s balance beam woes put a broad smile on the face of Zhou Yaqin in Paris on Monday, with Chinese athlete knowing it all but confirmed her first Olympic medal.
Zhou scored 14.100 on the beam to win silver, the country’s second medal of three in artistic gymnastics in the space of two hours. Italy’s Alice D’Amato hit 14.366 for her first Olympic gold, while her compatriot Manila Esposito took bronze with 14.000 from the judges.
D’Amato’s routine was practically flawless as she emerged a surprise winner. Zhou had a solid start to her performance but at one point had to bend over and grab the beam to prevent herself from falling.
“I’m extremely happy to have won an Olympic silver medal. Olympic competitions are really challenging. I’m pleased that I was able to show what I’m capable of,” Zhou said.
“I’m extremely proud of this achievement. I will go home and keep working on my gymnastics so that I will be even better in future competitions.
“Before the competition, many thoughts were going through my mind. I was encouraging myself to relax and to be in the right [head] space to be able to compete well and have confidence.”
