PARIS.- The assistance of celebrities was once again part of the event in a raucous Arena Bercy when Simone Biles led the dominant women’s gymnastics team USA to the Olympic title on Tuesday night.
Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman and Serena Williams gathered at the Olympic venue to watch the most decorated athlete in gymnastics history perform during the team final.
Spike Lee, Michael Phelps and former gymnast Nadia Comaneci were also in the crowd to witness the star return to the U.S. women’s team after relinquishing their title three years ago in Tokyo.
Williams has been in Paris for a few days and carried the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony last week. She sat next to Paris 2024 Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet.
Kidman and her husband, Keith Urban, attended with their two daughters. When asked if she was looking forward to the competition, the Australian actress said: “So excited! So excited!”
Biles’ husband was also in the stands after arriving in the French capital in time for the women’s team final. Chicago Bears player Jonathan Owens was given permission by his team to travel in the middle of his training sessions.
Owens sat next to Biles’ mother and father, Nellie and Ron Biles.
Celebration
Simone Biles had a big smile on her face as she ran off the podium after her uneven bars routine. Phelps stood up and applauded her, his arms raised in celebration of the gymnast. He also appeared to be filming her with his cellphone.
Lee jumped to his feet to cheer Biles on as if he were courtside at a New York Knicks game. The actor and film director had a front-row seat above the vault track, wearing white-framed glasses and a USA basketball jersey.
Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise and Jessica Chastain also attended Biles’ return to the Olympics when she competed in qualifying on Sunday.
Biles, 27, competed in all four events in the team final. With Biles at her best, the Americans’ total of 171.296 was well ahead of Italy and Brazil.
Source: AP
