One Gold In The Bag, USA's Simone Biles Aims For More Paris Olympics 2024 Glory

Simone Biles seeks to make more history in her glittering Olympic gymnastics career by recapturing the all-around title on Thursday, as the athletics programme kicks off at the Paris Games. A total of 16 golds are up for grabs on the sixth full day of competition in Paris, which is again bracing for extreme weather with storm warnings in place early Thursday morning. US star Biles steps back into the spotlight seeking to become the first woman ever to regain the Olympic all-around title after she famously withdrew in Tokyo with the debilitating "Twisties".

The 27-year-old returned to the top of the podium on Tuesday with gold, her eighth Olympic medal, five of them gold, to become the most decorated US Olympic gymnast.

Biles, the reigning world champion, wants to do it in style with a new skill on uneven bars that would be the sixth unique skill named after her.

But Biles faces a stern challenge from teammate Sunisa Lee, reigning Olympic all-around champion, who is on a comeback trail every bit as compelling as her compatriot.

Lee was diagnosed with two undisclosed kidney conditions in early 2023. However, she declared herself "in remission" in April and counts herself stronger than she was in Tokyo.

Another top contender is Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, who said it was an honour just to compete against Biles.

"She's a reference, a role model for the whole world, gymnastics and athletes alike to see how happy she is to compete. That's what's sport is all about," said Andrade.

'Red hot form'

Meanwhile, the athletics programme gets under way with the men's and women's 20km walk races.

Italy's Massimo Stano is bidding to become the first man to win back-to-back gold in the event after triumphing in Tokyo but world number one