Question

which of the following inferences is best supported by the passage below (paragraph 7)? part of biles’s natural talent also stems from her height or lack thereof. in some sports, height is an advantage, but gymnasts benefit from being shorter. from 2000 - 2012, the four all - around gold medal winners at the olympics were between 5 - foot and 5 - foot - 3. while that might seem short for most athletes, biles stands at just 4 feet 8 inches. her height bothered her as a child. as she told women’s health, “it was kind of a struggle being small since everyone would make fun of you,” but she’s glad she can show others that they can be “short or tall” and become the best. a. the all - around competition was previously better suited for the elegant eastern europeans. b. biles was expected to struggle in the all - around competition due to being under 5 feet. c. most fans do not realize just how short gabby douglas is. d. biles possessed a distinct physical advantage over even the highest - achieving gymnasts before her.

Explanation:

To determine the best - supported inference, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The passage has no information about Eastern Europeans or the all - around competition being suited for them. So, this option is not supported.
• Option B: The passage does not mention anything about Biles being expected to struggle in the all - around competition because of her height. Thus, this option is not supported.
• Option C: The passage is about Biles' height, not Gabby Douglas' height. So, this option is not relevant.
• Option D: The passage states that from 2000 - 2012, Olympic all - around gold medal - winning gymnasts were between 5 - foot and 5 - foot - 3, and Biles is 4 feet 8 inches. Since gymnasts benefit from being shorter, Biles' shorter height (compared to previous high - achieving gymnasts) gives her a physical advantage. This option is supported by the passage.

Answer:

D. Biles possessed a distinct physical advantage over even the highest - achieving gymnasts before her.