Simone Biles, the acclaimed gymnast with an astonishing 19 world championship titles and four Olympic gold medals, is set to make her comeback to competitive gymnastics. After withdrawing from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to concerns about her mental health, Biles has now decided to return to training and competing.
The idea of a comeback was first discussed by Biles and her coach, Cecile Landi, over a delightful dinner accompanied by margaritas earlier this year. Now, she is gearing up to make her much-anticipated return at the 2023 U.S. Classic, an event held in the suburbs of Chicago. This competition serves as a qualifier for the national championships, which will take place later this month.
During the U.S. Classic, Biles is expected to showcase her skills in all four events. Remarkably, this competition will mark nearly two years since her last appearance in a competitive setting. Her comeback has received high praise from Alicia Quinn, the women’s strategic lead for USA Gymnastics and a four-time world champion herself, who believes that Biles has more to prove and is thrilled to see her back in action.
In preparations for the U.S. Classic, Biles participated in podium training, where she trained on all four events and received enthusiastic cheers from fans for her signature skills. While she declined to speak with reporters at this time, it is anticipated that she will address the media following the competition.
Sunisa Lee, the 2021 Olympic all-around champion, has expressed admiration for Biles’ comeback, stating that she looks amazing and it seems as if she never took any time off from the sport. Biles’ return is a testament to her resilience and determination, as she is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in the history of the sport. With an impressive collection of 25 world championship medals and seven Olympic medals to her name, Biles is a force to be reckoned with.
Biles’ decision to withdraw from multiple events in Tokyo was attributed to the “twisties,” a term used in the gymnastics world to describe a loss of spatial awareness during complex maneuvers. This raised doubts about whether she would return to competition. However, Biles fully immersed herself in training earlier this year, and her coach noticed a newfound dedication and focus after her marriage to her partner in April.
While Biles has not publicly discussed her future plans, including whether she will aim for a spot on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics, her comeback at the U.S. Classic is seen as truly inspiring. After everything she has been through, Biles’ return to the sport she loves serves as a reminder of her indomitable spirit and strength. Fans and fellow athletes alike eagerly await her performance at the U.S. Classic, hoping to witness the greatness that has captivated the world.
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