With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in full swing, many sports and activities are capturing the world’s attention. From individual events to team competitions, and featuring both male and female athletes, the Games are brimming with excitement and intrigue. As the spotlight shines on the most popular events, many fans are also curious about the less mainstream disciplines. We’re here to dive into those lesser-known sports, providing insights and answering your questions about these unique Olympic competitions.

As the gymnastics competitions reach their climax at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the arena is buzzing with anticipation. With medals up for grabs and the spotlight on one of the sport’s greatest stars, Simone Biles, the atmosphere is electric. The presence of Biles, widely regarded as one of the best gymnasts of all time, has drawn massive crowds and a flurry of flashes from photographers.

Gymnasts are competing in a range of demanding disciplines, including the floor exercise, vault, pommel horse, and balance beam. Each event requires an extraordinary combination of strength and precision. From powerful vaults to intricate balance beam routines, athletes are delivering breathtaking performances that highlight their exceptional skill and control.

One of the standout events in gymnastics at Paris 2024 is the balance beam, a specialty where American athlete Simone Biles excels. After a controversial performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles is back with a renewed focus and determination. As she competes for the gold medal, all eyes are on her to see if she can reclaim her place at the top of the podium.

Simone Biles of The United States competes in Women’s Balance beam Final during day 10 of the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle on October 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Simone Biles of The United States competes in Women’s Balance beam Final during day 10 of the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle on October 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany.

The balance beam and its wideness

The balance beam is one of the most anticipated events in gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The balance beam, a key component of women’s gymnastics, is a fixture both in the team competition and as an individual event. Standing 1.25 meters off the ground and stretching five meters in length, this narrow beam is just 10 centimeters (3,93 inches) wide. Its minimal width challenges gymnasts to demonstrate exceptional balance and precision, making every routine a captivating blend of skill and bravery.