It was hard to tell who was the bigger draw in the Bercy Arena on Aug. 3—Simone Biles or Stephen Nedoroscik. Biles competed in vault with teammate Jade Carey, and Nedoroscik competed in pommel horse, the only member of the men’s gymnastics team to qualify for an event final.
The roar of the crowd was equally deafening for both—an ode to the incredible gymnastics each has performed under pressure in Paris—Biles in winning the team event and all-around, and Nedorscik in pulling a clutch routine to help the Team USA men’s team win its first medal in 16 years.
At some point before competing, when the cameras are focused on him, Nedoroscik has a ritual—tugging on his ear; it’s one he performs before every competition to acknowledge his family and loved ones. It star…