Simone Biles made a triumphant return to competitive gymnastics at the Core Hydration U.S. Classic in Illinois, marking her first meet since her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to the “twisties.” The 26-year-old pro athlete proved she was back in top form, earning five gold medals for her performances in the vault, floor, and balance beam events. Her uneven bars routine secured her a respectable third-place finish.
During the Classic, Biles showcased her incredible talent, even debuting the rarely attempted Yurchenko double pike on vault, earning her the highest score of the day with an impressive 15.4. In a heartfelt Instagram Story, she expressed her joy and gratitude, celebrating not only her success but also her World Champions Centre teammates’ achievements.
“🥇 🥇 🥇 🥇 🥇 gold medals for WCC,” Biles posted.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Biles expressed her excitement about returning to the competition and how the support from her fans and teammates fueled her determination. She acknowledged the difficult journey she went through after Tokyo, working on herself through therapy and building her self-belief. Her decision to compete again was motivated by her personal growth and desire to return to the sport she loves.
Throughout the televised classic, the crowd cheered enthusiastically for Biles as she executed her routines flawlessly. Embracing the positive energy, she treated everyone to some post-competition fun with her signature silly dance moves, bringing smiles to her teammates’ faces.
While celebrating her victory, Biles remains focused on her journey toward the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. She expressed that she’s still in the early stages of preparation but is heading in the right direction. Her immediate focus is on the U.S. National Championships, starting on August 24.
Biles also had the support of her husband, Jonathan Owens, a professional football player for the Green Bay Packers, who cheered her on from afar. The couple married in April and shared their pride and joy on social media after her remarkable performance.
“Y’all know my wife [handled] business too, what a special night ❤️,” Owens said via his Instagram Story on Saturday, sharing footage of her medal ceremony.
