Simone Biles of USA celebrates winning gold in the women's individual all-around final.
As Simone Biles was completing her routine at the women's individual all-around final in Rio this week, a group of her relatives in Belize City were glued to the TV.
Jére Longman, a reporter for the New York Times, was there with them.
"The family gathered at a hotel bar yesterday afternoon along with the first lady of Belize and 11 contestants in the upcoming Ms. Belize pageant, all wearing their sachets," Longman said Friday.
Biles is a dual citizen of the United States and Belize. Surprising few, she managed to secure the gold medal — her first-ever Olympic gold. The US women's team also won gold for their all-around gymnastics score.
Longman says Biles' success is very much welcomed in Belize.
"There were people who were ecstatic and cheering and every time she appeared on the screen there [was] a lot of cheering," he said.
Read Longman's full report.
As Simone Biles was completing her routine at the women's individual all-around final in Rio this week, a group of her relatives in Belize City were glued to the TV.
Jére Longman, a reporter for the New York Times, was there with them.
"The family gathered at a hotel bar yesterday afternoon along with the first lady of Belize and 11 contestants in the upcoming Ms. Belize pageant, all wearing their sachets," Longman said Friday.
Biles is a dual citizen of the United States and Belize. Surprising few, she managed to secure the gold medal — her first-ever Olympic gold. The US women's team also won gold for their all-around gymnastics score.
Longman says Biles' success is very much welcomed in Belize.
"There were people who were ecstatic and cheering and every time she appeared on the screen there [was] a lot of cheering," he said.
Read Longman's full report.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us raise $67,000 by the end of the year and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer to our goal!