For Italy and Brazil, losing to Simone Biles' American team at the Olympics was still a victory
PARIS: Watching the celebrations after the women's gymnastics team final at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, it was impossible to tell who won.
America's team led by Simone Biles? Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade and her teammates? Or the Italian team led by 17-year-old Manila Esposito?
Athletes from three countries erupted in cheers as the final score flashed on the giant screens in the roaring Bercy Arena. When the legions of American fans started chanting “USA! USA!” their Brazilian counterparts danced, waving blue, green and yellow flags. The Italians embraced each other warmly.
The Americans' total of 171,296 made Biles the most decorated Olympic gymnast in US history with an eighth gold medal.
But it was also a historic day for Italy and Brazil.
Italy's silver medal was its first since 1928, while Brazil had never won a team medal before.
“We haven't realized what it means yet,” Italy's Alice D'Amato said when asked about second place.
The Brazilian team was the last to leave the floor. They lingered under the stands, and Andrade was even lifted by her teammates so she could hug fans hanging over the railing.
“It's magical that we did it,” said Brazil's Jade Barbosa. “It's pure magic. Brazil wasn't big on the sport. We had a lot of great individuals, but now we have a great group of gymnasts.”
The Italian team finished with a score of 165.494 to better Brazil's 164.497 after Angela Andreoli delivered a strong routine on floor.
“I knew being on stage was an important routine,” Andreoli said. “I was under pressure but my partners helped me keep my cool.
Brazil's hopes of a podium finish were almost dashed before the start of the competition when Flavia Saraiva injured her right eye in the warm-up.
“I couldn't see, it was bleeding, but the team doctor told me everything was fine,” Saraiva said. “I believe my knee hit my eye when I tripped. This is not the first time this has happened to me. I might need some stitches.”
Saraiva, with a bandage over her eye, continued. She was careful on the bars and didn't fall on the balance beam, then did an easier version of the exercise on the floor and ended the evening with a strong vault.
“We are warriors,” Saraiva said.
Her teammate Andrade was outstanding on four apparatus, showing an excellent layout on floor along with a 15.100 on vault. If she performs at that level during Thursday's all-around final, she could give Biles the gold.
