The US women’s gymnastics team, led by Simone Biles, drew a who’s-who of famous fans to the 2024 Olympics in Paris on Sunday.

Biles competed in the Women’s Qualification on Sunday July 28 through an injury, and still set the highest scores on the floor and vault that are unlikely to be beaten throughout the remainder of qualifying.

Some notable faces in the audience included Tom Cruise as fans ran up to him in the arena to take selfies and provide a few hand shakes.

Actor and producer Jessica Chastain sat right in front of Vogue’s Anna Wintour, who was with Elvis director Baz Luhrmann.

Lady Gaga was also in attendance after her performance during the opening ceremony.

She posted a video of Biles on Instagram while on the beam with text on the screen reading, “She nailed it, what an honor to be so close!”

Another famous singer, Snoop Dogg was sitting in the front row as he is currently working at the Paris Olympics as a special correspondent for NBC Sports.

Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sat next to each other, along with The Chi creator Lena Waithe and Anna Wintour.

Musicians were out in force with Nick Jonas and John Legend, alongside his wife Chrissy Teigen, chatting together

While Barbie director Greta Gerwig sat front in front of Tom Cruis

Former US snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White was in the audience as well alongside his girlfriend and The Vampire Diaries alum, Nina Dobrev.

Biles competed in the team’s qualifying alongside US teammates Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Sunisa Lee and Jade Carey. It was her first competitive appearance in Paris, where she will try to add to her already impressive tally of seven Olympic medals. The Olympian has already begun to set milestones as she is both the fourth American woman to compete in a third Olympic games and, at the age of 27, she is the oldest American gymnast to compete at the Olympics in 72 years, while also currently being tied with Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medals earned by a US gymnast.

Her return to the games comes after she previously competed in both the 2016 Rio games and the 2020 games in Tokyo. However, she needed to withdraw from most of the 2020 competitions due to a case of the “twisties,” which is a temporary loss of air awareness while performing twisting elements.

“The brain no longer communicates with the body, they change the move, lose their place,” US women’s coach Landi explained in part one of Biles’ recent Netflix documentary, titled Simone Biles: Rising. “Most of the time it’s unrelated to gymnastics.”

“I knew from that one moment,” Biles confessed, reflecting on her Tokyo performance. “To me it felt silent. I felt like I was in jail in my own brain and body.”

This year, the Olympian competed with a calf injury after being seen limping on her left ankle. Although US coach Cecile Landi explained at the time that the injury had only been bothering Biles for a couple of weeks and was considered minor. Landi added that there were no plans to have her sitting on the sidelines.

“I can’t express it,” Landi said. “I’m really proud of her and what she’s been through and what she’s showing the world what she’s capable of doing.”

Biles posted an all-around total score of 59.566 and the Americans scored a 172.296.

All Olympic events are available to watch via cable on NBC, USA Network, or E! The Olympics are also available to stream on Peacock.

Ms Meloni described her trip as a “demonstration of the will to begin a new phase, to relaunch our bilateral cooperation”.

She also said the two countries have signed an agreement that aims to boost cooperation on electric vehicles and renewable energy.

In a statement released by his office, Premier Li said the two countries aim to increase “mutually beneficial cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in the fields of shipbuilding, aerospace, new energy, artificial intelligence.”

Italy was the only major Western nation to sign up to the BRI, one of China’s most ambitious trade and infrastructure projects.

The move was heavily criticised at the time by the US and some other major Western countries.

Since coming to office in 2022, Ms Meloni has sought to lead a more pro-Western and pro-Nato foreign policy than her predecessors.

Before withdrawing from the BRI, Ms Meloni had described the former government’s decision to join it as “a serious mistake”.

Under her leadership, Italy has moved to block a Chinese state-owned company from taking control of tyre making giant Pirelli.

Rome has also supported a recent move by the European Commission to impose tariffs of as much as 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China.

Two-way trade between two countries reached 66.8 billion euros (£56.3 billion) last year, making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner after the US.

The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Gunners edge ahead in Merino race

Arsenal could convince Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino to return to England, but they may face competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, according to Relevo.

The 28-year-old has one year left on his current deal with Sociedad, who have offered the playmaker a new contract, however, the report suggests that Merino has not yet responded to the proposal. Consequently, a departure from the Spanish outfit looks on the cards, with Sociedad reluctant to lose Merino as a free agent next year.

It is reported that Merino, who played for Newcastle United in 2017-18, is still considering his options, with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid circling. However, both of these moves are in doubt. Barcelona are reportedly focusing their attention on securing a deal for Athletic Club star Nico Williams, which means that the Catalan club are not preparing offers for other players currently.

Meanwhile, Atletico have struggled in negotiations with Real Sociedad, which has left the door ajar for Arsenal. The report indicates that the Gunners have identified Merino as a priority target, with the player keen to work under Mikel Arteta. Alongside the lure of playing under Arteta, the potential financial benefits make a deal to Arsenal an appealing prospect.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Aston Villa have made a loan approach for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to Football Insider. It is reported that Everton have also shown an interest in the 28-year-old, who Manchester City are keen to offload permanently. However, the Premier League champions are willing to facilitate a loan move for Phillips, which Villa have shown significant interest in. Villa are keen to add to their midfield options ahead of a busy 2024-25, where they will have to balance their domestic season with their Champions League campaign.

– Talks between Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain for forward Victor Osimhen have stalled, per Fabrizio Romano. The Nigerian was left out of Napoli’s squad for their friendly against KF Egnatia over the weeked, with Osimhen desperate to secure a move away from the Italian outfit. It is reported that Napoli are looking to bring Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku to the club as a replacement for Osimhen.

– Negotiations between AC Milan and AS Monaco are ongoing for midfielder Youssouf Fofana, reveals Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. It is reported that whilst the 25-year-old has reached a verbal agreement with Milan regarding a four-year contract, the two clubs have not yet managed to agree upon a valuation. The report suggests that Milan submitted an offer in the region of €17 million, however, this fell short of Monaco’s valuation which sits at €30m.

– Liverpool have rejected an approach for midfielder Wataru Endo from Marseille, reports the Daily Mirror. While other clubs also hold an interest in Endo, Liverpool are not entertaining offers and do not want to part ways with the playmaker. The 31-year-old joined the English giants last summer and is not understood to be a player that new manager Arne Slot will allow to depart this summer.

– West Ham United are pushing to strike a deal for Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, per Nicolo Schira. The Hammers are understood to be eager to add a right-back to their squad this summer and, after seeing their deal for Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui fall through, it is reported that they have turned their attention to Wan-Bissaka.

Last year, Pakistan witnessed a groundbreaking moment when Erica Robin was crowned as the country’s first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan. 

The news created a buzz on social media, sparking diverse reactions and raising eyebrows at the bold move. 

Erica, who belongs to Karachi’s vibrant Christian community, made history by representing Pakistan on a global stage, breaking stereotypes and opening doors for those aspiring to rise beyond societal norms.

In a stunning display of cultural pride, Erica chose to wear a burkini instead of traditional western pageant attire, capturing the hearts of the nation. Her decision not only highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage but also challenged conventional beauty standards. 

Reflecting on her choice, Erica shared: “I was born and raised here; Pakistan is my hometown, my country. I know my culture very well, and I chose attire that I felt was appropriate for our society. As a Christian, I respect the moral values my country holds. This is a year of acceptance, and it’s heartening to see people gradually understanding and celebrating Noor’s achievements.”

This year, the spotlight turns to Noor Zarmina, who is all set to represent Pakistan at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this October.

In an exclusive conversation with Geo Digital, both Erica and Noor shared their experiences and aspirations.

“Doing anything for the first time is never easy.

“Last year, the environment was challenging, and I faced backlash and criticism from some groups. However, there were also many who supported me throughout the journey, excited by the fact that I was representing Pakistan globally for the very first time,” Erica reflected.

From Islamabad to the world stage: Noor’s journey

Noor Zarmina, 29, from Islamabad, emerged as one of the top 10 finalists and was recently crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2024. 

With a background in business and biology, Noor recently returned to Pakistan with a mission to bring positive change, with some acting plans.

“I was very nervous and terrified, especially after what happened last year,” Noor confessed. 

“But what Erica did was truly courageous. She wore the sophisticated burkini and walked with confidence, representing Pakistan with grace. I feel fortunate to have her as a mentor; she’s taught me so much about many things and has been incredibly supportive. I didn’t hesitate to call her at 2 AM whenever I needed guidance because she welcomed my questions and concerns,” she said. 

Changing perceptions: What Miss Universe is really about?

“The show we all watch on television is for entertainment, but the actual task begins behind the camera,” Erica explained. 

“It’s about advocacy, building an educational environment, being an ambassador of peace, and how you can bring change and break stereotypes. Miss Universe is about giving voices to women. It’s not just about looks and beauty, but how proudly you carry your culture and stay connected to your roots,” she shared. 

The removal of the age limit for Miss Universe this year is a significant change, opening the doors for many more women.

Passing on the crown: A moment of grace and hope

Reflecting on the moment she passed on the crown to Noor, Erica expressed her feelings with grace. 

“It was an iconic moment when I passed on the crown to Noor. I was mentally prepared for it, understanding that this is the purpose of the journey — to celebrate and uplift each other. I was happy to pass it on to someone so deserving, with the hope that Noor will make Pakistan proud once again,” she said. 

The bond between Erica and Noor has grown strong despite sharing the limelight as the former fondly recalled their first meeting.

“I saw Noor during one of our shoots. She was extremely confident, and the spark in her eyes and the grace she carried made me ask if she was going to apply for the upcoming Miss Universe competition. She seemed unaware, so I encouraged her to apply. And here we are, sitting next to each other and celebrating her success,” Erica said. 

Noor smiled as she added: “I look up to Erica whenever I need advice. It’s great to have someone who can guide you through the do’s and don’ts of this journey.”

Desi at heart: embracing cultural roots

Noor, who grew up in a traditional Pakistani family, proudly embraces her cultural roots despite traveling to several countries. 

“We mostly speak Urdu at home, but lately, I’ve been out of touch. Some of my friends are surprised when they see me dancing to Punjabi songs and ask how I know all the 80s tracks. Well, come on! I’m a desi girl at heart.”

Both Erica and Noor share a deep love for Pakistani music and cuisine.

“The Pakistani music industry is booming worldwide; we’re truly the best,” Erica said enthusiastically. “I love listening to Pakistani artists like Ali Sethi, and of course, I love biryani,” Noor said. 

“I have a childhood nostalgia for Ali Zafar’s music; I love his voice. And when it comes to food, while I enjoy biryani, I’m currently craving nihari because I’ve had enough biryani during the shoots!” Noor added with a laugh. 

As the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan after 73 years, Erica understands the immense responsibility that comes with the crown. She has encouraged Pakistani women to participate in the competition without hesitation and urged the nation to support Noor as she heads to the finals in Mexico. 

She hopes that their journeys will help change perceptions about beauty pageants in Pakistan, showcasing them as platforms for cultural representation and empowerment. 

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