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Simone Biles is returning to competition. The 26-year-old newlywed is planU.S. to be at the U.S. Classic, which takes place near Chicago in August.
Biles had not competed in her sport since the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo when she dropped out of the team competition due to the “twisties,” which affect a gymnast’s ability to determine where they are in the air, important given their tumbling routines, somersaultsU.S.and vaults.
The U.S. team rallied to win a silver medal, and Biles’ teammate Sunisa Lee won the gold in the individual all-around event, becoming the first Asian-American woman to take the title. Biles returned to competition later in the Games, earning a bronze medal on the balance beam.
USA Gymnastics announced that Biles would return earlier this week.
Biles was both criticized and praised for placing her focus on mental health as well as prioritizing her physical health by not attempting to perform while not feeling her best.
“I’m still struggling with some things,” Biles said at the time. “It just sucks when you are fighting with your own head.”
Biles experienced the ‘twisties’ prior to the Summer Olympics in 2016 and again during the 2019 gymnastics season. Despite those setbacks, Biles is the most decorated U.S. gymnast in U.S. history and among the few most decorated gymnasts of all time.
She was also one of the victims of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of molesting gymnasts under his care for over 30 years. In 2021, Biles testified before Congress about the culture of abuse that kept Nassar in his position.
Since the Olympics, Biles has prioritized her personal life, marrying Green Bay Packers defensive back Jonathan Owens in April.
But her ascension to gymnastics domination has inspired other young women. Last year, for the first time ever, three African-American gymnasts were on U.S.podium at the U.S. Championships. If Biles does intend to return to Olympic competition in Paris in 2024, she will likely be competing for a spot on the team against some of the athletes she inspired.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Biles’ marriage to Owens.
After Olympics Controversy, Simone Biles Will Finally Return To Competition In August was originally published on cassiuslife.com
