Why Simone Biles was wearing a boot at the Closing Ceremony

The gymnastics star was wearing a boot during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics, but fans shouldn’t be concerned.

PARIS, France — Simone Biles made an appearance during the Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony as part of the handover to Los Angeles. While standing on stage next to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Biles handed the Olympic flag over to Hollywood actor Tom Cruise.

The gymnastics star was wearing a boot on her left foot, but fans shouldn’t be too concerned.

She previously was spotted in a boot during an interview with NBC’s Mike Tirico after the women’s gymnastics events ended and explained it was just “precautionary.”

Biles, who won three golds and a silver at the Paris Games, appeared to aggravate her left calf during qualifying in Paris.

“Calf is good, just precautionary,” Biles told last week. “Making sure — because we still have tour after this—to heal up and all of that stuff. So just a little bit of soreness.”

Biles will headline the “Gold Over America Tour” that will visit 30 arenas across the United States beginning Sept. 17.

Organizers said the tour will be a pop concert-style spectacle that showcases the “athletic brilliance” and championship journeys of Biles and other athletes.

Credit: AP
Tom Cruise takes the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, right, as Simone Biles watches during the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony.

In addition to Biles, others who will join the tour are Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Katelyn Ohashi, Peng-Peng Lee, Shilese Jones, Fred Richard, Mélanie Johanna De Jesus Dos Santos, Kayla Dicello, Evita Griskenas and Casimir Schmidt.

Biles now has 11 career medals at the Games: seven gold, two silver, two bronze.

“I accomplished way more than my wildest dreams, not just at this Olympics, but in the sport,” Biles said. “So I can’t be mad at the performances. … Competing then walking away with four medals. I’m not mad about it.”

Biles has offered “never say never” when asked over the weekend if the Los Angeles Games in 2028 are a possibility.