In a culmination of relentless dedication and sheer talent, Simone Biles scripted history once again. The victory came in the form of her record eighth U.S. championship, a feat that shattered the 90-year-old record held by Alfred Jochim. Simone Biles’s name now stands alone at the pinnacle of U.S. gymnastics, a remarkable achievement accomplished with a final score of 118.450 at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Sunday, August 27.
Amidst the grandeur of Biles’s pursuit of excellence, a tiny yet significant figure was also taking a step forward. This figure was none other than Ronni Biles aka Baby Biles, the charming niece of Simone Biles, who recently experienced her first flight. In fact, the entire Biles clan flew all the way to San Jose, California, to cheer for their champion. As Simone accomplished her mission, Baby Biles returned home to Texas, Houston, along with her loved ones, and once again took center stage.
Baby Biles is back home
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Sammi Biles, the sister-in-law of gymnastic virtuoso Simone Biles, shared a heartwarming Instagram story. In a candid moment, Baby Biles was seen in a pink outfit playing with her toys. The moment turned even more adorable as her mother cheered her on, encouraging her to clap with a rhythmic chant of “Clap Clap Clap Clap.”
Baby Biles responded with coos, laughter, and enthusiastic claps, showcasing her infectious joy. Sammi Biles then asked her, “Are you happy to be home?” while Baby Biles looked on with a huge toothless smile on her face.
Sammi Biles wrote alongside the story, “fresh off the plane and wide awake,” accompanied by a smiling emoji. In earlier stories, Ronni Biles and the Biles family were captured returning home after their flight.
Watch this story: Raising the Stakes Next to Simone Biles, Asher Hong Carves His Name at XFinity US National Gymnastics Championship
How the Biles clan supported their star in California
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The stories posted by Sammi were a wholesome tableau of family unity. One showed Baby Biles nestled in her grandpa’s arms and Adria Biles radiating admiration. Another glimpse showed Baby Biles in the embrace of her grandmother, Nellie Biles, enjoying an episode of “The Big Bang Theory” during the flight. As the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships unfolded, the unity of the Biles family painted a vivid picture.
On Day 1 of the Senior Women’s event in San Jose, California, Simone Biles’ family members adorned matching shirts with the powerful phrase, “But Still I Rise.”?The phrase also adorned the purple leotard that Simone Biles donned, a powerful reminder that her strength is not only individual but also a collective endeavor fueled by family love.
Beyond the arena, Baby Biles’ journey embraced adventures of its own. From delightful days at the zoo to mini family vacations, the young explorer made memories that mirrored her aunt’s remarkable path. The 2023 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championship marked Biles’s all-around win after 10 years, something she first accomplished at just 16 years old. However, Simone’s journey is far from over.
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?I?ve been doing it for so long, I feel like I don?t think about numbers,? Biles told broadcaster NBC. ?I think about my performance and I think overall I hit eight for eight. I guess it?s a lucky number this year.? The next chapter awaits her at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, followed by the grand stage of the Paris Olympics in 2024.