Simone Biles Returns to Competition in Triumphant Fashion at U.S. Classic
Simone Biles made her long-awaited return to competition after two years at the Core Hydration Classic in Hoffman Estates, Ill. on Saturday, winning gold in emphatic fashion.
Biles was the all-around winner at the event, finishing five points ahead of silver medalist Leanne Wong. Biles ended the evening with an astonishing score of 59.1. That score placed her ahead of second place by the same margin as No. 2 to No. 17. In doing so, she successfully qualified for the U.S. championships that are set to take place in San Jose later this month.
“I think the night went really well,” said Biles, via USA Today. “Everything has fallen into place. I feel really good about where I am right now, mentally and physically. There are some things to work on in my routines, but for the first meet back, I would say it went pretty well. I'm very shocked and surprised.”
What a moment for Simone Biles! ????
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2023
The smile says it all. pic.twitter.com/IpyuXjnyOx
Biles stepped away from gymnastics for two years after withdrawing from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics amid a bout with the “twisties.”
“I still get a little bit nervous, but I think it's just subconscious,” Biles said. “Other than that, I know my body is capable and prepared and all of that stuff, so I just have to trust my training.”
Biles’s return was a huge success, with the 26-year-old recording scores of 14.0 on uneven bars, 14.8 on the balance beam, 14.9 on the floor exercise, and 15.4 on the vault.