Balance beam final

During the women's balance beam final at the 2024 Olympics, an unusually quiet atmosphere in Bercy Arena contributed to a shaky performance by top gymnasts, including Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, who both fell during their routines. The lack of music and hushed crowd, which some likened to a golf tournament, added stress for the athletes, who typically rely on the background noise of a lively audience to help focus. Italy's Alice D'Amato succeeded in this tense environment, winning gold with minimal errors. Biles expressed discomfort with the silence, stating it felt 'weird and awkward' and that the gymnasts had previously requested music for their routines. The decision to eliminate music was part of the event's presentation plan, according to the International Gymnastics Federation. Many athletes noted that the quietness heightened their anxiety, particularly as they approached the end of their competition.