WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a decade Simone Biles continues to push the boundaries of gymnastics.
Sunday’s groundbreaking title win comes on the heels of a nearly two-year mental health hiatus. The 26-year-old became the oldest woman to ever win the championship and the only person to win eight all-around national titles. Biles previously shared an impressive seven-title record with 1933 gymnast Alfred Jochim.
It is no secret that Simone Biles is considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time. Since her debut on the national level in 2013, she has garnered 32 Olympic and world championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in US history.
Sunday began with a sound score of 14.85 on the vault and continued with equally impressive scores on the uneven parallel bars and balance beam. However, Biles’s talent was on full display during the floor event; when Biles takes the floor she tends to dominate by a wide margin and Sunday’s competition was no different. Her awe-inspiring floor routine earned a score of 15.400, cementing her all-around title. Overall, Biles finished 3.9 points ahead of all-around Silver medalist Shilese Jones.
Biles shared her excitement with NBC saying “I think it feels really special. It’s really amazing. Everybody in here believes in me. So I just need to start believing in myself a little bit more, but it feels amazing and I love the fans, I love the crowd.”
Biles’s magnificent display is a true testament to her passion and dedication to the world of gymnastics. Her win also highlights the importance of taking time for yourself and prioritizing mental health.
This is only Biles’s second competition since her return to gymnastics, and she is by no means finished. Her national win has earned her a place in the world championship scheduled to start September 30 in Antwerp, Belgium
