Simone Biles Returns to Gymnastics with Victory at U.S. Classic
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (AP) — After two years of self-reflection and therapy, Simone Biles made an impressive return to gymnastics at the U.S. Classic. Biles, considered the greatest gymnast of all time, took home the victory in her first meet since the Tokyo Games.
Biles had been trying to distance herself from the noise and pressure that surrounded her during the Tokyo Olympics. However, she found solace in therapy and slowly began returning to training. It wasn’t until the spring that she fully committed to training seriously, and it wasn’t until late June that she decided to compete in the U.S. Classic.
Stepping onto the podium and being greeted by the support from the crowd, Biles finally felt a sense of peace. She described the overwhelming noise she had been grappling with for 732 days as falling silent in that moment.
Confidence grew with every rotation, and Biles soared to victory with an all-around score of 59.100, five points ahead of runner-up Leanne Wong. This victory was even more remarkable considering Biles didn’t fully dedicate herself to training until after her wedding to Green Bay Packers safety, Jonathan Owens.
Biles showcased her dominance by posting the best score on three out of four events, proving that she is still a force to be reckoned with in the sport. The only time she seemed out of place was during her introduction when she was unsure of where to go, but she quickly settled into her rhythm.
Wearing a bedazzled black-and-white leotard and a silicone wedding band, Biles electrified the audience with every spin, flip, and twist. While she admitted to feeling nervous during the twisting elements of her routines, she looked comfortable throughout the two-hour competition.
Biles’ performance in the U.S. Classic serves as a taste of what may come in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics next summer. Although she never officially closed the door on Paris, she was convinced at one point that her career was over. However, the allure of gymnastics continued to tug at her.
Biles is taking a more subdued approach to her comeback this time, allowing her gymnastics to do most of the talking. And it spoke loud and clear at the U.S. Classic. She showcased her dynamic skills on the floor exercise and displayed her strength and steadiness on the balance beam.
She finished off her routines with a Yurchenko double-pike vault, a move she hoped to perform in Tokyo. While it didn’t happen then, it remains a possibility for Paris. Biles’ vault wowed the audience, earning her a score of 15.400, over a full point higher than any of her competitors.
The U.S. Classic is seen as a warm-up for the upcoming U.S. Championships later this month, followed by the world championships in October. With less than a year until the next Olympics, Biles is focused on taking care of her body and enjoying the process.
Biles’ all-around score at the U.S. Classic surpassed her previous performance at the same meet in 2018. This raises anticipation for what may come in the future and the potential for more historic dominance from Biles.
As Biles continues to refine her routines and expand her skills, the gymnastics world eagerly awaits her next moves. For now, Biles is savoring the “little wins” and taking each step in her comeback journey with care.
AP coverage of the Paris Olympics: [Link]