Olympics-Gymnastics-Heron does Panama proud with double Biles nod

By Chang-Ran Kim

PARIS (Reuters) - Panama's Hillary Heron did her country proud at the Paris Games on Sunday by not only getting a compliment on her self-designed leotard from Simone Biles but by becoming the only other gymnast to compete on one of the U.S. star's skills at the Olympics.

The 20-year-old first-time Olympian was a hit with the Bercy Arena crowd, which gave her a thunderous applause and cheers as she completed her floor routine that included the 'Biles I' - a double layout with a half twist on the second flip.

"It's been the competition I've enjoyed the most in my entire sports career and it leaves me very motivated for what's next in my career," she said, beaming.

The day was made even more special when Biles praised the red-white-and-blue costume that Heron helped style to include Panamanian cues: the traditional 'pollera de gala' design, the flower of the Holy Spirit and the Bridge of the Americas.

"Knowing that I carry Panama with me, both in my leotard and in every presentation I do, it means a lot to me and it's a dream come true," Heron, who served as flag-bearer for her seven compatriots at the opening ceremony, said.

"On top of that, Simone Biles liked it, so it means the whole universe. I'm very happy, very honoured and I think that it's a sign of the impact that she has both on gymnastics and on sports in general."

Heron did not qualify for the final on Sunday but said she was hoping to return in four years.

"Sport-wise, Panama is not that advanced as other countries, but just knowing that slowly but progressively, we are advancing in sports and we are eight (athletes this time), but the next Olympics, we're going to be 10, and then we're going to be 12," she said.

"It just helps our country to support more sports and let all the little kids know that if they want to be an Olympian, they can work hard for it and then they can achieve their goals."

(Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Christian Radnedge)