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Gymnastics

Simone Biles Makes Epic Return Following Two-Year Break from Gymnastics

It’s been two years since Simone Biles made a shocking decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics, but she’s finally ready for a comeback. The seven-time Olympic medalist won the U.S. Classic after returning to gymnastics for the first time in two years. The 26-year-old was on top of her game at this gymnastics competition at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and easily blew the competition out of the water. With an all-around score of 59.100 at four events, she finished five points ahead of runner-up Leanne Wong. She also placed first on balance beam (14.800) and floor exercise (14.900). The U.S. Classic serves as a prelude to the U.S. Championships later this month, and Biles feels more confident about her chances following her recent triumph. “I feel really good about where I am right now, mentally and physically. I still think 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. Surprised,” said Biles. The 26-year-old gymnast created quite a commotion after dropping out of the Tokyo Olympics after suffering a case of “the twisties”, and her decision started a wider conversation about the role of mental health in sports.