Even without Simone Biles, the Americans pocket a new world title, ahead of Great Britain (at home) and Canada.
The American gymnasts, however deprived of their superstar Simone Biles, were crowned world team champions for the sixth time in a row on Tuesday in Liverpool. Led by their all-around Olympic champion Jade Carey, they totaled 166.564 points, three points ahead of the Brits. The Canadians complete the top 3. By getting on the podium, these three teams also confirm their ticket for the 2024 Olympics.
The Americans have now reigned on the world stage without interruption for six editions, a record that puts them ahead of the Romanians, crowned five times between 1994 and 2001. For the first time in almost ten years, they had to do without Simone Biles , their 19-time world champion who currently prioritizes her mental health over competition, but that hasn’t stopped them from dominating the competition.
The French in retreat
While they were aiming for the top 5, the French ranked eighth and last in the final (155.863 pts), down three places compared to the last two editions. The Blues of Mélanie De Jesus Dos Santos were penalized by several errors, in particular falls on the beam and on the ground, a mat exit on the vault and an imbalance on the uneven bars. Competition continues on Wednesday with the all-around men’s team competition.