Simone Biles sparks ankle injury concern after fall in Olympic qualifying

Simone Biles sparked injury concerns following an awkward fall on the vault on the opening day of Olympics gymnastics qualification in Paris.

The American star wore strapping on her ankle after the tumble and limped when walking across the floor, but still completed qualifying to set the leading individual score following the second session.

Biles, who is returning to the Olympics after suffering from the ‘twisties’ in Tokyo three years ago, fell forward after landing a backward somersault when warming up for the vault.

The most decorated gymnast of all time moved gingerly as she returned to the sidelines and received some treatment, receiving brown strapping on her left ankle.

However, a few moments later Biles completed a historic Yarachunko double pike on the vault – one of her signature moves – becoming the first woman to land it at the Olympics.

Biles also completed her uneven bars routine and waved happily to the crowd after her final routine, even as she limped when leaving the Bercy Arena in Paris.

Biles topped the individual leaderboard in the all-around standings with a score of 59.566, almost three and a half points ahead of her American teammate and defending all-around champion Sunisa Lee.