Simone Biles made history by winning her ninth all-around national title at the US Gymnastics Championships on Sunday ahead of the Paris Olympics. She is now the first gymnast, man or woman, to win nine all-around national titles. She clinched the title with a total score of 119.750, surpassing Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello who took second and third place respectively.
Biles excelled in all events, securing top scores in the balance beam, floor exercise, uneven bars, and vault.
Reflecting on her victory, Biles shared, “Today it’s just getting out here and getting comfortable and confident in my gymnastics and hopefully going to Olympic trials and making that next step towards Paris,” Biles told NBC Sports following her victory. “So, I couldn’t be more proud of how I’m doing this time in the year and just gaining that confidence over and over, getting myself back in front of a crowd and just doing what I do in practice.”
The US Gymnastics Championships serve as the final event before the Olympic Trials later this month. Biles aims to secure a spot on the United States team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After facing challenges, including the “twisties” during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles is determined to make a successful return to the Olympics.
“Yeah, everyone says I look like I’m having fun so that’s good because I feel like most of the time if I’m not stressing or having anxiety, I do feel like I’m having fun,” Biles added. “So, it’s good to have that and feel that again.”
After a two-year break, Biles returned to gymnastics competition in 2023, winning four gold medals and a silver medal at the world championships. Her comeback demonstrates her resilience and determination.