Russian team topples American powerhouse with Biles out

TOKYO (AP) – Though the history books may mark Tuesday’s victory with an asterisk due to American star Simone Biles’ early withdrawal, the Russian women’s gymnastics team’s dazzling performance is the result of a concerted transformation since they finished a distant second to the American team at the 2019 World Championship.

They beat the Americans by 3.5 points, a significant margin in the sport.

Their victory came just a day after the Russian men also won.

The country swept the gymnastics team gold medals, among the most coveted at the summer Games.