The walk to the top was not the easiest one for Simone Biles. Her elite journey began at 16, the same year she made her global debut in Europe, taking home four medals. Thereon began the journey of redefining gymnastics. Leaving mats, the seven-time Olympic artistic gymnastics medallist stepped into a new role as a mental health advocate. During her 730 days off, she found peace, married her love Jonathan Owens, and prepared for a triumphant return this summer.

Despite a two-year break since the Tokyo Olympics, the gymnastics legend seized many prospects this year; Including the reigning all-around title from Sunisa Lee in national championships. Leading the U.S. gymnastics troupe once again, Biles entered the arena where she first began her journey! After the wrap, making herself and the nation proud, she penned a message on this “full circle” moment.

Simone Biles “speechless” at Antwerp show

Simone Biles displayed her artistic brilliance as a teen in the Sportpaleis facility in Antwerp which was also her international launch. Not a lot changed since 2013, Biles again left her mark in the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, which ended last week in the same venue. Only this time, she left as the most decorated gymnast with combined Worlds and Olympics podium finishes of 37! Biles shared an emotional post on Instagram recently, which read, “world championships!!!!! whew Antwerp will always hold a special place in my heart.”

At the first appearance, she donned a pink leotard with braces visible as she smiled broadly. Since Shannon Miller in 1991, Biles was the first American gymnast to advance to the all-around and finals of all four events at 16. This year, she wore a similar pink bedazzled Leo flaunting an ear-to-ear smile. “The first time I got a skill named after me was in this arena & 10 years later I got my 5th skill named?I?m speechless. I?m honored. I?m excited and I?m blessed!” she wrote.

There was so much more to thank for, Biles added, “doing it for the little girl who fell in love with the sport!!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love & support.” Now, the Texas native competed in six Worlds (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), reaching 33 finals and taking home medals in 30, which calculates to a 91% success rate! Officially, a G.O.A.T. as she added four gold and one silver medal to her already lavish alloy collection. Antwerp has never sent Simone back with empty hands!

Then and now, Antwerp remains a sweet spot

Biles debuted her double layout salto with a half-twist maneuver on the floor exercise at the 2013 World Gymnastics Championships. Interestingly, it has a G-difficulty grade and has been perfectly executed in a competition by a few gymnasts so far. At the same event, she won the AA and floor golds, the vault silver, and the balance beam bronze. The floor move was eventually accorded the “Biles I” distinction.

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Ten years later, under Biles’s lead, the American team captured their seventh consecutive gold medal. In addition, she won two golds from the floor and balance beam events and a silver on the vault. On the opening day, Biles became the first female athlete to execute the Yurchenko double pike vault, now her fifth named move(Biles II). Later, she earned a record-breaking sixth all-around gold beating Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus’s previous mark of 33 medals from the Olympics and World Championships. Biles truly is competing in her stratosphere now, at the top of the mountain being the G.O.A.T!

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