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| credit: Google |
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is set to return to competitive gymnastics at the 2023 US Classic in August. After taking a break from the sport to prioritize her mental health, the 26-year-old athlete has not competed since the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which were held in 2021. During the Tokyo Games, Biles withdrew from five out of six finals due to concerns regarding her mental well-being and safety. It remains uncertain whether she will participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics next year. The US Classic, taking place from August 4-5, serves as a warm-up event leading up to the national championships.
Biles, known for her exceptional performances, made her Olympic debut in Rio 2016, where she clinched four gold medals and a bronze. Following a brief hiatus in 2017, she returned and won an impressive nine world titles in 2018 and 2019. Anticipation was high for her performance in Tokyo 2020, which was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Biles faced challenges during the Games, withdrawing from the women's team final and subsequently withdrawing from five out of six finals. She later revealed that she experienced a dangerous mental block known as the "twisties," causing a loss of spatial awareness while in the air. Despite these difficulties, she did make a comeback to compete on the balance beam and secured a bronze medal.
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| credit: Google |
After the conclusion of the Games, Biles announced that she would be stepping back from the sport but clarified that she was not retiring. Throughout her career, she has been vocal about her experiences of abuse by team doctor Larry Nassar, who is currently serving a life sentence in prison. Biles has received recognition for her achievements and resilience. In 2021, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Sports Personality of the Year and also received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden. As she prepares to make her return to competitive gymnastics at the US Classic, the gymnastics world eagerly awaits Biles' remarkable skills and contributions to the sport.