Who did Simone Biles beat to win record ninth U.S. gymnastics title?

While we can all be excused for being somewhat blasé about it, Simone Biles has secured her place in history once again by clinching a record-extending ninth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday. The four-time Olympic gold medalist continues to dazzle as she prepares for the upcoming Paris Games. A truly incredible feat.

Biles’ performance over the weekend was nothing short of spectacular. After establishing a coMMAnding lead on Friday, she maintained her momentum through the final night of the comPetition. Despite a minor misstep at the beginning of her balance beam routine, Biles delivered a solid performance that underscored her dominance.

Biles readying herself for 2024 Olympics

One of the highlights of her routine was the high-flying floor exercise, which earned a 15.10 from the judges and brought an emotional reaction from her mother in the stands. Although she encountered a setback during the third rotation with a fall on a difficult vault attempt, she rebounded with a strong finish on the uneven bars, securing her victory.

“Today it was just about getting out here, getting comfortable and confident in my gymnastics and hopefully going to Olympic trials and taking that next step towards Paris,” Biles reflected after her win. “I couldn’t be more proud of how I’m doing at this time of the year and gaining confidence in front of a crowd.”

Blakely and DiCello on podium

Biles finished the competition with a total of 119.750 points, leaving her closest competitor, Skye Blakely, trailing by 5.900 points. Kayla DiCello claimed third place, 8.950 points behind Biles, while the Tokyo all-around champion, Sunisa Lee, finished fourth with 110.650 points.

This championship marks a triumphant return for Biles, who missed much of the Tokyo Games due to the “twisties” — a mental block causing gymnasts to lose spatial awareness in midair. After stepping away from competition for two years, she has returned sharper and more resilient than ever.

“I’m a little bit older, so I know exactly how to reboot, collect myself, and move on to the next event even if something wasn’t how it was supposed to go,” Biles explained. “I know exactly how to switch my mindset and keep going. It’s years of therapy ... as well as having good teammates.”

No Jones competing against Biles

Noticeably absent from the competition was Shilese Jones, who is regarded as one of the top contenders for the five-member Paris Olympic team after Biles. Jones withdrew to rest a sore shoulder, aiming to be in top form for the Olympic trials later this month in Minneapolis, where the squad will be named.

As Biles continues her march towards the Paris Games, her performance this weekend has reaffirmed her status as a powerhouse in the gymnastics world, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike. As before, all eyes will be following her progress.