Simone Biles, the most decorated female gymnast in history and considered the greatest of all time, dominated the 2023 US Classic in her first meet following a two-year absence since the Tokyo Games.
The athlete scored 59.100 at the meet, five points more than what runner-up Leanne Wong managed to get. Biles' victory was even more remarkable because she has only recently gotten back into training since her wedding to Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens in late April.
Simone Biles Dominates the 2023 US Classic
In a statement following the meet, Biles said that she felt good about where she is, both mentally and physically. She added that everything went well for her first meet back into the game and despite some things that she still needs to work on in her routines.
The athlete could post the best score on three of four events at the meet, turning what was supposed to be a tune-up meet for the US Championships into a display of force for the Black gymnast, as per WCVB.
Biles wore a black-and-white bedazzled leotard and a silicone wedding band during her first meet since her absence from the sport. The gymnast wowed the crowd with every spin, flip, and twist performed on stage.
She later admitted feeling nervous when performing her routines' twisting elements. However, this could hardly be seen during the two hours highlighting what she could bring to Paris next summer.
The athlete's absence from the sport following her bout with mental health issues but in her recent competition, many saw her as having fun while performing. Almost everyone who watched Biles at the NOW Arena likely thought the same.
Return From a Two-Year Absence
The 26-year-old star has four gold medals, 19 world championships, and 24 national titles. According to USA Today, her performance on the balance beam at the 2023 US Classic reminded the world of her brilliance in the sport.
The gymnast was able to pull off at least one of the skills that bears her name and another, the famous Yurchenko double pike vault. During a television broadcast on Saturday night, NBC Commentator Sam Peszek, a member of the 2008 Olympic team, said that watching Biles compete was simply amazing.
Biles also noted that there was never a doubt that she would return to the sport after her Tokyo Games experience. She noted that her decision to withdraw was due to a mental injury she needed to address.
Addressing the support that she received during the recent meet, she said that the people who cheered for her and made posters for her melted her heart. She expressed her utmost glee for them still believing in her despite her absence.
Biles was also asked about what made her return to the sport, to which she replied by saying that she was now doing it for herself. She added that she worked hard on herself and can believe in herself more than before, said CNN.
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