In a twist reminiscent of Tokyo, Simone Biles fell off the balance beam in Paris, scoring 13.100 and missing the chance to tie the all-time Olympic gold record, while Tom Brady watched from the stands.

The 2024 Paris Olympics balance beam final didn't swing in Simone Biles' favor as the four-time Olympic champion found herself tumbling off the apparatus, earning a score of 13.100 and securing a fifth-place finish. While it wasn't the fairytale ending she or her fans hoped for, the moment was still electric, especially with NFL legend Tom Brady in the audience, possibly contemplating whether a balance beam might be his next post-retirement challenge. Despite already clinching three golds this Olympics, Biles' mishap means she’ll have to wait to catch up to Larisa Latynina’s record, but we've learned she's a master of bouncing back—on and off the beam.

For a gymnast of Biles' caliber, falling off the balance beam was an unexpected twist—not quite a full 'twistie', but enough to shake things up. With her famous GOAT necklace gleaming under the arena lights, Biles navigated her routine with the precision that fans have come to expect—until gravity had other ideas. Her score of 13.100 reflected the high difficulty level of her routine but also the costly error of falling off the apparatus.

The beam final saw fierce competition, with Italy's Alice D'Amato claiming gold with an impressive score of 14.366. Standing tall and steady, she executed a flawless routine that left little room for debate among the judges. China’s Zhou Yaqin pranced to silver, and Italy’s Manila Esposito somersaulted her way to bronze. It was a day for fresh talent to rise to the occasion and, quite literally, stand on the shoulders of giants.

Tom Brady, perhaps seeking inspiration from one G.O.A.T. to another, was in attendance at Bercy Arena. Whether he was there to scout out gymnastic techniques for his potential ninth comeback season or simply indulging in some Olympic spirit, his presence added an extra layer of star power to an already bright arena. Photographers captured many moments of Brady looking intently at the balance beam, possibly imagining how he could incorporate it into his next training regimen.

This stumble comes after Biles' triumphant return to the sport post-Tokyo, where she faced monumental criticism for prioritizing her mental health amid the dreaded 'twisties'—a phenomenon where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness during their routines. Since then, Biles has been working closely with a therapist in Paris, ensuring her mental well-being takes center stage alongside her athletic prowess. While some may consider her fifth-place finish a defeat, it’s worth noting that resilience doesn’t always come labeled with gold.

Her journey in Paris, however, has been nothing short of spectacular. Before this balance beam final, Biles had already captured three gold medals in the team competition, all-around, and vault events. The question on everyone's mind was whether she could extend that winning streak to the balance beam and catch up to Larisa Latynina’s record of Olympic golds by a female American gymnast. Alas, the record will have to wait—for now.

The disappointment of not claiming gold in every event will likely still sting, but if anyone can take a tumble and land on their feet, it’s Simone Biles. She has another event left in this year's Olympics to add to her medal count, and given her track record of astounding comebacks, it wouldn't be wise to count her out. Her enduring spirit and dedication to the sport remain unbroken.

As the dust settles on yet another thrilling gymnastics competition, the world will be watching Simone Biles one more time in Paris. Whether she wins or takes another unexpected detour, her legacy as the greatest gymnast of all time remains firmly intact. In the end, it’s not just about medals but about the resilience, courage, and poise in the face of gravity—both figurative and literal.