Suni Lee and Simone Biles had a challenging outing in the balance beam final at the Paris Olympics on Monday, with much of the blame placed on the tense atmosphere.
Both Lee and Biles were among the few competitors who lost their balance on the beam during their performances. These errors cost the American stars a position on the podium.
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Suni Lee wobbles and falls during the women’s artistic gymnastics individual balance beam finals at Bercy Arena during the Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
However, Lee, who secured a bronze medal on the uneven bars earlier in the Games, acknowledged the challenging atmosphere filled with pressure.
“We were discussing how frustrating it was to be hushed,” Lee mentioned as she reflected on the way the crowd’s quietness shifted their focus to the gymnasts.
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Suni Lee falls at Bercy Arena during the Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
“The pressure was definitely present,” Lee expressed. “You may not have noticed, but many were feeling it. It was a combination of the crowd and the awareness that we were nearing the end, which added extra stress to perform well.”
Lee highlighted that the silence intensified the pressure.
“It heightens the stress because it’s as if you’re the only one there,” Lee commented. “I felt the weight of the expectation.”
Suni Lee tumbles during the balance beam final at the Paris Olympic Games on Aug. 5, 2024. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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This marked the first time since 2000 that Americans were left off the balance beam podium.
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