Simone Biles set to return to competitive gymnastics for first time since 2021 after Tokyo Olympics withdrawal
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Published 28/06/2023 at 17:03 GMT
American gymnast Simone Biles is back. The seven-time Olympic medallist stepped away from gymnastics following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events at the Games to protect her mental health. She is set to take part in the US Classic in early August which could lead to Biles returning to the American team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simone Biles
Image credit: Eurosport
Simone Biles is set to compete at her first event since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The seven-time Olympic medallist will take part in the US Classic in early August.
Biles, 26, has largely stepped away from the sport since the Olympics in 2021, when she pulled out of four individual finals to protect her mental health.
She returned to compete in the balance beam final and won a bronze medal.
Biles testified at a US senate hearing into the Nassar abuse scandal in September 2021.
Athletes abused by Nassar reached a $380m settlement with governing bodies later in 2021 following a five-year legal battle.
Biles’ decision to return for the US Classic could open the door for a run at competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The US Classic is a warm-up event for the national championships later in August in San Jose.
Biles returned at the US Classic in 2018 after a two-year hiatus.
She went on to win multiple gold medals at the World Championships that year as well as in 2019.
“It is exciting to think about the level of talent and historical legacy of the field that may compete at US Classic,” said USA Gymnastics chief programs officer Stefanie Korepin.
“Every athlete is at a different place in their season and career, and we will support each of them, wherever they are in their journey.”
The Paris 2024 Olympics start on July 26.
Biles’ seven Olympic medals put her level with Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medals won by an American gymnast.
Biles is also the most-decorated gymnast in World Championships history with 25 medals, 19 of which are gold.
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