Simone Biles makes spectacular gymnastics return that says everything about her

06 August 2023 , 16:33

384     0

Simone Biles last competed in gymnastics at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (Image: AP)

Team USA icon Simone Biles dominated in her return to competitive gymnastics on Saturday night after a two-year absence.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist competed in the U.S. Classic, claiming the all-around, balance beam and floor exercise titles in Hoffman Estates just outside Chicago. It marked a memorable return to the sport for Biles, who took a break following the Tokyo Olympics.

Biles withdrew from the women’s team final in Tokyo as she suffered the twisties a mental block that causes athletes to forget their position in mid-air. The 26-year-old decided to pull out of the all-around and three of the four individual finals at the Games.

She made a brief return on the balance beam and took bronze in Tokyo, but she has not competed since. Biles subsequently hinted her two-year absence was due to the sexual abuse she suffered from Dr. Larry Nassar.

Biles, who married NFL star Jonathan Owens earlier this year, has become one of the most vocal advocates for athletes protecting their mental health. Saturday marked an incredible comeback for the decorated superstar ahead of the Paris Olympics next year.

England star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife

In her comeback appearance, Biles’ scores put her ahead of rivals Jordan Chiles, Katelyn Jong and Leanne Wong. She scored a 14 on the uneven bars, a 14.8 on the balance beam, 14.9 in the floor exercise and a 15.4 in the vault.

The U.S. Classic is traditionally a preparation event for the US national championships, which will be held in San Jose later this month. Biles also used the Classic as her comeback meet in 2018 following a two-year hiatus after her record medal haul at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Simone Biles starred in her return to gymnastics at the U.S. Classic (AP)

Her appearance is a significant moment in her illustrious career. Biles was one of more than 150 gymnasts who were abused by Nassar, the former national team doctor who preyed on clients during his 30-year career.

In 2019, Biles revealed the trauma of her experiences with Nassar left her with suicidal thoughts. She took part in therapy and admitted she was "sleeping all the time" as it was "the closest thing to death."

When she withdrew from the individual Olympics event, Biles retweeted a statement of support from former gymnast-turned-fitness trainer Andrea Orris, which read: “We are talking about the same girl who was molested by her team doctor throughout her entire childhood and teenage years.

“That girl has endured more trauma by the age of 24 than most people will ever go through in a lifetime.”

Andrew Gamble