PARIS —U.S. gymnast Simone Biles sealed her comeback with her sixth Olympic gold medal in front of a euphoric crowd at the Paris Games on Thursday.
Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew from the Paris Olympics mid-fight after receiving a series of heavy blows from an Algerian opponent who last year failed a gender eligibility test at the World Championships.
On the red clay of Roland Garros, Britain’s Andy Murray bid farewell to tennis.
Here’s what you need to know about the Olympics on Thursday.
Comeback Queen
Simone Biles won her second gold medal of the Paris Summer Games, delivering an electrifying performance to triumph over her Brazilian rival Rebeca Andrade and cap a stunning comeback.
Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all-time, withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health after suffering from the “twisties.”
Murray Bows Out
Andy Murray’s illustrious career finally came to an end as he and doubles partner Dan Evans were defeated 6–2, 6–4 by American pair Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros.
The 37-year-old Scot, regarded as one of Britain’s greatest sportsmen after twice winning Wimbledon and reaching world number one, announced before the Games that he would retire once it was over.
Gender Debate
Italian welterweight Carini could be heard saying “it’s not right” moments after she pulled out of her round of 16 fight and the umpire prepared to announce Algeria’s Imane Khelif as the winner.
At the 2023 World Championships, Khelif was disqualified after failing International Boxing Association eligibility rules that prevent athletes with male XY chromosomes competing in women’s events.
The International Olympic Committee allowed the Algerian to fight in Paris, fueling a gender debate.
Swiatek Out
Iga Swiatek will have to wait four more years to try and win an Olympic gold medal after the Polish top seed was shocked by China’s Zheng Qinwen in the tennis semifinals.
Mayer Injured
World record holder Kevin Mayer of France has been ruled out of the decathlon with a thigh injury, the French Olympic Committee said.
The twice Olympic silver medallist picked up the injury as he fell heavily during the 110 meters hurdles leg of a triathlon event at the Paris Diamond League last month.
Table Tennis Thriller
French teenager Felix Lebrun survived a seven-game nail-biter to earn a place in the men’s table tennis singles semifinals.
Basketball
Reigning champions the United States crashed to a third straight defeat in the women’s 3×3 basketball pool stage, going down 17–15 to Australia.
Judo Champion Also Exits
Japan’s Aaron Wolf relinquished his Olympic under-100kg crown after losing in early judo action on Thursday, while Germany’s Anna-Maria Wagner scrapped her way into the women’s under-78kg semifinals.
Marvelous Marchand
France’s Olympic star Leon Marchand won an unprecedented two finals on the same night in the pool on Wednesday, securing his status as France’s face of the Games.
Olympic Moms
While motherhood was once seen as incompatible with a career in competitive sport, Olympian moms have shown that old stereotypes are giving way, from judo to fencing, basketball, and beyond.
Pintado Blazes to 20-Kilometer Race Walk Win
Brian Pintado of Ecuador pulled away from the field over the final kilometer to capture gold in the men’s 20km race walk, crossing the finish line in a time of one hour 18 minutes and 55 seconds.
Rifle Medal
China’s Liu Yukun won gold in the men’s 50-meter rifle three positions. Ukraine’s Serhiy Kulish won the silver, and India’s Swapnil Kusale took bronze.
Surf Is Back
Competition in Tahiti is resumed on Thursday after storm delays.
Distracted
One in four Americans say their work productivity has declined since the Games began, and half say they have rearranged their daily routines in order to watch the action, NBCUniversal said.