Simone Biles accused of 'petty' act towards judges amid drama on gymnastics floor at Olympics
The American icon had the last say to the judges at the Olympics.
Simone Biles has stuck it to the judges at the Olympics on the floor routine after she was deducted points after a controversial finish to her balance beam routine. Biles has once again captured the hearts of viewers around the world on her way to three gold medals and a silver at the Paris Games.
Although Biles was clearly left frustrated after she was deducted a few points after it was deemed she did not salute in the direction of the judges for long enough after her balance beam performance. Biles finished the beam with aplomb as she landed and raised her hands in the air to strike a pose.
The American then shifted in the direction of the judges, before lowering her pose and walking off the mat in quick succession. However, Biles was deducted 0.3 from her score for not holding the pose for long enough in their direction.
This did not sit well with viewers with many feeling the score did not reflect the performance. The extra deduction also left them staggered.
And Biles clearly was aware of the deduction as she made a point in her next event. Having taken to the floor routine, Biles finished to a huge cheer from the crowd. And instead of lowering her arms, the American great walked off with an exaggerated pose. Many have claimed her extended salute was a cheeky acknowledgement to the judges.
Simone Bilesβ petty salute! A GOAT she is! π«ΆπΌ #Paris2024 #gymnastics pic.twitter.com/qZewVVXIS3
β v (@ddreamypisces) August 5, 2024
While many fans have accused Biles of the 'petty' act, fans have defended the American and claimed she only exaggerated her pose after a brutal call on her previous event. Courtney McGregor, New Zealand gymnast who featured in the 2016 Olympics, hit out at the deduction and claimed it was 'stupid' Biles was deducted 0.3 from her routine.
Biles' husband and baseball star Johnathan Owens also suggested the American superstar made sure the judges were well aware of her salute the second time around. Others agreed with the majority of the gymnastic world siding with Biles.
Making sure they donβt miss it this time!!!!! πβ€οΈ I love you so much baby, so proud π€π½ https://t.co/MFz9SfGHWp
β Jonathan Owens (@jjowens_3) August 5, 2024
i know 0.3 made no difference in the end but this is so stupid https://t.co/UH2swFWNX5 pic.twitter.com/65JO4Y4dw9
β Courtney McGregor OLY (@courtneymcgym) August 5, 2024
This is a whole new level of sass
β Maria πΈ (@juleesssy) August 5, 2024
Simone Biles makes history at the Paris Olympics
Biles has been sensational so far at the Paris Games but she was slightly below her best during a routine set to music from megastars Taylor Swift and Beyonce. Regardless, she still added to her Paris tally having claimed her fourth medal. She has won gold in the team, all-around and vault finals. She then added a silver in her signature event.
"I can't be more proud of how I've done," Biles said. "I'm 27 years old walking away from this Games with four medals to add to my collection. Not mad about it."
Her three golds have only further cemented her legacy as the greatest gymnast of all time and one of the greatest Olympians of all time. Biles' nine Olympic medals has seen her surpass Shannon Miller for the most by an American gymnast.