Simone Biles isn’t just an extraordinary American gymnast—she’s the most distinguished one ever.
Breaking a record that has stood for nearly a century, Simone Biles soared to her eighth all-around championship at the US Gymnastics Championships. This monumental win comes hot on the heels of her return to the sport less than a month ago, following a two-year hiatus to focus on her mental well-being.
At 26 years old, her floor routine alone amassed a score of 15.400, catapulting her to a triumphant overall score of 118.450. Trailing her was Shilese Jones, who finished with a score that was a sizable 3.9 points behind.
With this win, Biles has now surpassed Alfred Jochim, the previous record-holder who clinched his seventh US title back in the age of flapper dresses and Model T Fords—1933, to be exact.
In a league of her own, Biles was the lone gymnast to conclude the two-day event in San Jose with not just one, but two scores exceeding 15. She set the tone for her commanding win with an electrifying 15.700 performance on the vault on the opening day.
Biles initially made a name for herself as the US all-around champion in 2013, and tied Jochim’s long-standing record eight years later, in 2021. Later that year, she took a step back from the sport after withdrawing from five of her six scheduled finals during the postponed Tokyo Olympics. At the time, she cited experiencing “the twisties,” a debilitating mental block that causes gymnasts to lose their spatial awareness mid-air.
Though she did secure a balance beam bronze and a team silver medal in Tokyo, Biles remains coy about whether she’s setting her sights on the Paris Olympics next year. However, fans can catch her in action at the upcoming World Championships in Antwerp, running from September 30th to October 8th. There, she has the opportunity to pad her already astounding collection of 25 world medals, 19 of which are shimmering in gold.
Feeling a gymnastics itch you need to scratch?
Dive into our exclusive guide on how to channel your inner Simone Biles and take the leap into gymnastics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Simone Biles comeback
How many all-around titles has Simone Biles won at the US Gymnastics Championships?
Simone Biles has won an unprecedented eight all-around titles at the US Gymnastics Championships, breaking a record that had stood for 90 years.
What was Simone Biles’ total score for this championship?
Simone Biles finished the championship with a total score of 118.450, edging out her closest competitor, Shilese Jones, by 3.9 points.
Who held the previous record for most US all-around titles?
The previous record was held by Alfred Jochim, who won his seventh US title way back in 1933.
When did Simone Biles first become the US all-around champion?
Simone Biles first clinched the title of US all-around champion in the year 2013.
Why did Simone Biles take a break from gymnastics?
She took a break to focus on her mental health, specifically after experiencing “the twisties,” a condition where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness in the air.
Did Simone Biles win any medals at the delayed Tokyo Olympics?
Yes, Simone Biles won a bronze medal in the balance beam and a silver medal in the team event at the Tokyo Olympics, despite withdrawing from five of her six scheduled finals.
Is Simone Biles planning to compete in the next Olympics in Paris?
As of now, Simone Biles has not officially announced whether she plans to compete in the next Olympics in Paris.
What is the next major event Simone Biles is expected to compete in?
Simone Biles is expected to participate in the World Championships in Antwerp, taking place from September 30th to October 8th.
What is ‘the twisties’ that Simone Biles mentioned?
“The twisties” is a term used in gymnastics to describe a mental block where athletes lose their sense of spatial awareness during aerial maneuvers, making it highly risky to perform.
How can I get started in gymnastics?
Check out our special guide on how to enter the world of gymnastics and maybe even channel your inner Simone Biles!
More about Simone Biles comeback
- Simone Biles’ Official Bio
- US Gymnastics Championships Results
- Understanding ‘The Twisties’ in Gymnastics
- The Delayed Tokyo Olympics Coverage
- Upcoming World Championships in Antwerp
- Getting Started in Gymnastics: A Guide
10 comments
Woah, Simone is just unstoppable, isnt she? Breakin’ records like it’s nobody’s business!
so she’s been dominating since 2013? thats almost a decade. Legend status, no doubt.
Alfred Jochim who? Simone’s the new legend and its about time!
Can we talk about the playlist they had at the championships? Almost as epic as Simone’s performance. Almost.
Simone Biles is basically the superhero of gymnastics. All she’s missing is a cape.
Really respect her for taking time off to work on her mental health. That’s a diff kind of strength right there.
If Simone was a gadget, she’d be the latest iPhone. Always breaking records and setting new standards.
So shes gonna be at the World Championships in Antwerp? Tickets, here I come!
That’s the kinda comeback story that Hollywood movies are made of. Anyone else smell a biopic in the future?
Anyone else tempted to go to Antwerp just to watch her? no? just me?