For Italy and Brazil, the defeat against Simone Biles' US 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 had won.
The U.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 nations erupted in applause as the final scores appeared on the giant screens inside the noisy Bercy Arena. As the legion of American fans began chanting “USA! USA!”, their Brazilian counterparts danced and waved blue, green and yellow flags. The Italians embraced each other warmly.
The American total of 171,296 made Biles the most decorated Olympic gymnast in U.S. history, with her eighth gold medal.
But it was also a historic day for Italy and Brazil.
Italy's silver medal was their first in the event since 1928, while Brazil had never won a team medal before.
“We still have to realize what it means,” said Italian Alice D’Amato when asked about the second place.
The Brazilian team was the last to leave the arena floor. They lingered under the stands and Andrade was even lifted by teammates so she could hug the supporters hanging from the railings.
“It's magical that we did it,” said Brazil's Jade Barbosa. “It's pure magic. Brazil wasn't famous in this 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, beating Brazil's 164.497, thanks to a splendid floor routine by Angela Andreoli.
“I knew it was a big routine to get on the podium,” Andreoli said. “I was under pressure, but my partners were able to help me stay calm.”
Brazil's hopes of a podium finish were almost dashed before the start of the race when Flavia Saraiva injured her right eye during the warm-up.
“I couldn't see, I was bleeding, but the team doctor told me everything was fine,” Saraiva said. “I think my knee hit my eye when I tripped. It's not the first time it's happened to me. I may need some stitches.”
With an eye patch, Saraiva continued to fight. She was careful on the bars and didn't fall on the beam, then performed an easier version of her floor routine and finished her night with a powerful vault.
“We are warriors,” Saraiva said.
Her teammate Andrade excelled on all four apparatus, delivering superb floor layouts paired with a 15.100 on vault. If she performs at that level in Thursday’s all-around final, she could give Biles a run for her money.
