WATCH: Aly Raisman passionately hugs Simone Biles and USA Gymnastics team following their dominant performance at Paris Olympics 2024

By Marie Amani

Modified Jul 28, 2024 16:23 GMT

Aly Raisman congratulated Team USA female gymnasts after a packed first day of action at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Raisman retired in January 2020 but has remained invested in the sport, coming out to cheer her compatriots as they competed at the Bercy Arena.

After the completion of Day 1, Raisman was patiently waiting for them in the stands and as each one of them came, she hugged them passionately. The team comprises Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.

On the opening day, Biles was flawless as she topped the table with 59.566. She garnered 15.800 points on the vault, 14.433 on uneven bars, 14.733 on the balance beam, and 14.600 on the floor exercise. Lee finished a close second with 56.132 points. Chiles completed the podium with 56.065 points.

However, per the rules, Chiles will not proceed to the next round as the top two gymnasts from each country will be eligible for the promotion.

Aly Raisman rallied behind the team as she whispered words of affirmation. She said:

"You guys did so good…you were so amazing."

To the youngest in the team, Rivera, Raisman expressed how she was proud of her for the milestone. She said:

"I’m so proud of you, I gave your parents a hug. Good job, see you later."

The gymnasts now prepare for subdivisions four and five, which promise to be nerve-racking as they will pit the best of the best against each other.

Aly Raisman goes down memory lane to London Olympics 2012 exploits

Aly Raisman goes down memory lane to recall London 2012 Olympics exploits- Source: Getty

Aly Raisman went down memory lane to recall her dominance at the 2012 London Olympic Games where she bagged two gold medals and one bronze.

Raisman told BBC that her exploits surprised her and it was a special experience since she never expected to achieve such a feat. She said that competing in front of a large crowd in the arena was a terrific moment for her, but she managed to defy all odds and perform well.

"It was such a special experience because I wasn't expected to medal on beam – so getting that bronze medal was one of my most proud moments I was 18 going into London’s 2012 Olympic games; I had just graduated high school," Raisman said.

"Competing in that arena… it's so terrifying, the tension in the arena – you could literally hear a bag of chips open, it's so quiet, so nerve-wracking. You could hear the clicking of the camera! I was so proud of myself for handling that pressure," she added.

At the London Olympic Games, Aly Raisman won a gold medal on the floor exercise and a bronze on the balance beam.

Team USA emerged top of the table, with all the gymnasts awarded a gold medal. Raisman is now in Paris to cheer the American gymnasts.