Rio Olympics 2016: Simone Biles wins gold medal in the vault

Rea White

Rio Olympics 2016: Simone Biles wins gold medal in the vault image

Simone Biles won her third gold medal of the Rio Olympics on Sunday, winning gold in the individual vault. 

Russia's Maria Paseka took the silver medal with Switzerland's Giulia Steingruber taking the bronze. On the first day of individual apparatus competitions, the women's gymnasts are competing in the vault and the uneven bars. 

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Biles scored 15.966 compared to 15.253 for Paseka and 15.216 for Steingruber.

Biles already earned the individual all-around gold medal as well as helping lead the U.S. team to the all-around team gold medal.

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Biles has been a force in international gymnastics for recent years. She entered the Rio Games as a favorite to win and has performed perhaps even better than expectations. Biles still has individual events remaining in the games. 

After winning the all-around gold medal, Biles expressed her excitement. 

"I've finally done it. It's so exciting,"  Biles said after her medal ceremony in Rio . "You never know the feeling until it hits you."

Rea White