Overview
- Simone Biles, who arrived Tuesday, has begun a multi-day visit that includes a public appearance at Lima’s Plaza Mayor on Thursday to light the official countdown clock and help launch the Lima 2027 volunteer program.
- She traveled to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, shared photos from those stops and generated strong local interest from fans and media across the country.
- Reports differ over a planned visit to Machu Picchu, with several outlets saying she intended to go while at least one account says weather prevented completion of the train trip to Aguas Calientes.
- As part of the visit Biles will meet young Peruvian gymnasts and hold talks with national athletes on mental health in high-performance sport, reflecting her ongoing public advocacy on that issue.
- Organizers and former Lima 2019 officials say Biles’ role is being used to boost publicity for the Games and Peru’s tourism image while organizers focus on finishing remaining works and readying venues for July 2027.