As Simone Biles offered herself a few final quiet words of encouragement by the balance beam before she returned to compete in front of the world once again, the entire spectacle could have been so overwhelming.
Bercy Arena was exploding with excitement whenever her name was mentioned.
The competition draw that Biles and her US teammates received was also unhelpful.
They were required to start on the balance beam, the most unpredictable apparatus and the event that exposes all tension and uncertainty. If you cannot control your nerves, you will fall.
But Biles effortlessly worked her way through a smooth, efficient opening beam routine without a flicker of uncertainty.
That would set the tone for a spectacular return to Olympic competition as she qualified for the all-around final in first place with a score of 59.566.