Simone Biles Shatters Records to Become the Unstoppable Queen of Gymnastics

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Simone Biles‘ loyal fans were thrilled to watch her compete again on an international stage — but they almost didn’t get the chance.

Biles, aged 26, claimed the title of the most accomplished gymnast in history on October 8, after participating in the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. She achieved gold medals in the individual all-around, balance beam, and floor exercises, while earning silver for her vault routine. With Team USA securing the gold overall, Biles now boasts a remarkable collection of 37 career world championship medals. This competition in Antwerp, Belgium, marked her first international event in two years, and her triumphant performances left a lasting impact. "Remember just five months ago, none of us thought Simone would ever compete again," a viewer tweeted on Sunday.

Biles admitted that she too had reservations. "Honestly, I didn't think so either," she admitted.

Reflecting on the "emotional" competition on Sunday, Biles shared with The Associated Press, "It's been ten years since I won my first worlds. Being back here now... it holds great significance for me. The struggle, the dedication I've invested to reach this point, feeling at ease and self-assured enough to compete."

Prior to the world championships, Biles took an extended break. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, she experienced a period of "twisties," resulting in her decision to withdraw from the competition and prioritize her mental well-being. This term describes a gymnast losing control of their body while executing aerial spins.

In August, Biles made her official comeback to competitive gymnastics, embarking on the challenging journey towards the 2024 Olympics. She achieved first place in vault, floor, and balance beam events, ultimately securing third place in the uneven bars competition.

Biles expressed her delight in returning to the stage after facing numerous challenges over the previous year. She was moved by the cheers, posters, and unwavering belief from the crowd. Biles successfully executed her training and was immensely satisfied with the outcome.

Furthermore, Biles shared that she invested a significant amount of time and effort in self-improvement, particularly after the events in Tokyo. She regularly attends therapy sessions, which have contributed to her excitement in reclaiming her previous confidence. Biles acknowledged that she occasionally felt a loss of widespread support, but the experience of returning to perform and receiving overwhelming support from fans and spectators left her incredibly grateful.

Biles expressed her strong desire to return to the gym floor after Tokyo, emphasizing that she has dedicated considerable effort to personal growth and gaining confidence in herself. She acknowledged the importance of taking the initial steps forward once again.

In this article

Simone Biles