Thrilling Showdowns: Biles Aims for Ninth Olympic Medal, Golf Tees Off in Paris

Simone Biles looks to continue her remarkable comeback at the Paris Games, eyeing her ninth Olympic medal. The events include significant competitions in athletics, swimming, and shooting, among others. Key moments feature the U.S. women's basketball team, the 3x3 basketball tournament, and the debut of the men's Olympic golf tournament.

All eyes return to Bercy Arena at the Paris Games on Thursday where American Simone Biles bids to add to her monumental medal haul, while the much-anticipated athletics program kicks off with the men's and women's race walks and golf begins. There will be 18 gold medals up for grabs in France, including four each in rowing and swimming, plus two each in judo, sailing and athletics, while Olympic champions will also be crowned in shooting, artistic gymnastics, and fencing.

Simone Biles is a heavy favorite to win her ninth Olympic medal in Thursday's all-around final, two days after leading the United States women to a gymnastics team gold. The race for silver is likely to come down to a Tokyo rematch between defending champion Sunisa Lee of the U.S. and Brazil's Rebeca Andrade.

The United States have found gold medals hard to come by in the pool. Although they have won five in the women's 4x200 freestyle relay event since it was introduced, 2023 world champions Australia are the favorites while China are the defending champions.