2016 Rio Olympics Update: Simone Biles' Selfies Delay Closing Ceremonies? [VIDEO]
Standing at 4-feet-8-inches (1.42 meters), Simone Biles stood tall during the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Rio Olympics on Sunday night. As she held an American flag that was easily twice her size, the little gymnastic wonder emerged as the star of the show, with numerous athletes stopping the 19-year-old in order to take selfies with her.
In fact, many of the gymnastic phenom's fans were quick to note that the closing ceremonies were inadvertently delayed because of the sheer number of people stopping Biles and asking to take a photo with her. Looking at Biles during the closing ceremonies, it was no wonder that everyone seemed to want a selfie with the gymnast's famous "Biles Smile."
Despite the small delay caused by the deluge of selfie requests, however, the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics went off perfectly.
Before the event, Biles stated that she had some reservations about her task of carrying the American flag. Due to her 1.42-meter frame, she felt that a flag which was easily twice her height would prove unwieldy.
"I'm afraid the flag is going to be too heavy for me. Because Michael Phelps is so much taller and he seemed to carry it so easily and I'm very short so I'm a little worried about that part but I think they'll guide me through it," she told reporters before the closing ceremonies started.
At the end of the night, the little, wonderful Simone Biles walked away from the event as one of the most decorated female Olympians in American history. After all, her athleticism was what led the female American team to dominate the Olympics, ultimately pushing her team to win a second consecutive gold medal while winning the all-round title at the same time.
Simone Biles' accomplishments are only rivaled by those of Nastia Liukin in 2008, Mary Lou Retton in 1984 and Shannon Miller in 1992. Many who have seen Biles perform live have commented that she might very well be the finest gymnast of her time.
