Paris diary, day four: Am I in Paris, France, or Paris, Texas?
Am I in Paris, France, or Paris, Texas?
For the past two days at the Bercy Arena, that has felt a more than valid question with US supporters having packed out the venue in support of their gymnasts.
There are always plenty of Americans in Paris but this south-east corner of the city, on the banks of the Seine, they have made their own.
The noise which greeted the US men winning team bronze on Monday evening was quite something.
Yet it was nothing compared to what took place 24 hours later when the Simone Biles show rolled into town.
Biles is one of those figures who transcends her sport and tickets for the women’s team final were among the hottest in town.
It was not only fans who were keen to see her.
Organisers typically categorise events which are expected to draw big media attention as High Demand, meaning members of the press have to apply for tickets specifically for those sessions in advance. Every evening swimming session at La Defense Arena, where media tribune seating is limited, is just one example.
To the amazement of pretty much everyone, Biles’ big show was not deemed to be High Demand. Cue orderly carnage with media turning up to the venue three hours in advance to ensure they got a seat in the press box. A breakdown on one of the main RER lines through Paris did not help matters.
Any media turning up within 90 minutes of the scheduled 6.15pm start could count them fortunate if they found a spot with a desk and power. Otherwise, it was laptop on knees time and fingers crossed you had the foresight to arrive with equipment fully charged. Some simply gave up and headed to the media centre to watch it all unfold on TV.
Yet watching the Biles spectacle in person was easily worth any discomfort and concerns about battery power. From the introductions it was clear she knew it was all about her and like all of the greats, duly delivered.
There’s always plenty going on in gymnastics and keeping track of every routine is impossible. With Biles, you just waited for the roar which greeted the start and end of every action.
The show continues on Thursday in the individual all-around competition. For any colleagues wishing to cover it the advice is simple: Leave yesterday.
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