After Claiming Her ?Comeback? Is Personal, at 26 Simone Biles Does the Unthinkable at U.S. Classic 2023

When the gymnastics legend Simone Biles bowed out of the Tokyo Olympics due to ‘Twisties’, fans were devastated. A ray of hope shone through dark clouds when she confirmed her comeback at the U.S. Classic 2023. However, certain doubts still circled around her ability to light the mats on fire. Although, when Simone Biles entered the arena during the competition, she cemented her place at the top of the sport once again.

With her unbeatable skills and determination, she took the all-around, balance beam, and floor exercise titles at the U.S. Classic. Considered by many as the G.O.A.T. of gymnastics, the queen has taken her crown once again. And she has done it by overpowering competitors almost an entire decade younger than her, at the age of 26. Simone Biles has proved to the world that even when it comes to gymnastics, age is just a number.

Simone Biles comes back with a bang

When she appeared at the U.S. Classic on Saturday, she opened with a stunt only she has ever performed. Simone Biles clocked in a score of 59.100 to win the event. She landed a Yurchenko double pike on the vault, a feat only she has exhibited. This unimpeachable performance comes at the age of 26, which seems almost impossible considering the fact that most elite female gymnasts retire by the time they reach their mid-twenties. Looking at the 4-time Olympic gold medalist on the mats, it seems like she still retains the vigor she did when she was a teenager herself.

A Tweet by USA Gymnastics highlighted her win at the event and said, “Congrats, Champ! In her first competition back, @Simone_Biles takes the All-Around, Balance Beam and Floor Exercise titles at #CoreClassic!” Her astonishing display at the U.S. Classic 2023 comes after she declared on her TikTok channel that her comeback was personal. A video posted on her official TikTok profile named “simonebilesowens” claimed, “I watched myself go from the happiest and the most outgoing person to fighting everyday to heal. So yeah, this comeback is personal.” As the 4’8″ gymnast conquered the mats, one thing was clear.

Read more: 732 Days After Return Simone Biles Boldly Shatters World Record at US Classic 2023

Simone Biles was going to shut down all her opponents. And she did, after emerging victorious at an age where most gymnasts have lost the spark that made them special. The 26-year-old gymnast could not even finish her routine at the Tokyo Games. With her mind disconnected from her body, the veteran had no choice but to sit it out. But even though she bowed out, Biles had already made history by even qualifying for the team.

Smashing age barriers with astounding style

When Simone Biles became a part of the Olympics team at 24, it was a stupendous feat. Till the early 2000s, it was rare to see a gymnast that had crossed the age of 20 to even try for the Olympics, let alone win at the Games. Now, gymnasts like Biles and MyKayla Skinner, who both attended the Olympics at 24, are changing the trend. The two medals that the 26-year-old bagged at Tokyo were done at an age when most elite gymnasts are forced to retire.

Now that research has shown that the sport might benefit from older athletes and more mature bodies, nothing can stop Simone Biles. In fact, her endurance has played a pivotal role in changing mindsets when it comes to ageism in gymnastics. Just like she dominated the U.S. Classic, she will return to captivate the Paris Olympics as well.

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