Simone Biles shines in comeback after two-year hiatus

Simone Biles makes a triumphant return to gymnastics, winning the U.S. Classic after a two-year layoff due to mental health issues.

Simone Biles made her triumphant return to competitive gymnastics after a 732-day hiatus at the U.S. Classic in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The 26-year-old gymnastics superstar had taken a break following the Tokyo Olympics due to a condition known as "the twisties," which caused her to lose her air awareness. However, Biles showed no signs of rust as she dominated the competition, leaving the crowd in awe.

Dressed in a stunning black-and-white bedazzled leotard, Biles exuded confidence and grace throughout the night. Despite only seriously training since April after her marriage to NFL player Jonathan Owens, Biles delivered a stunning performance. The sold-out NOW Arena was filled with signs of support for the gymnastics icon.

Biles began her routine on the uneven bars, displaying her incredible strength and skill. Though she had a slight stumble near the end, she recovered with determination and executed a flawless dismount. Her score of 14.000 was the third best of the night, setting the stage for her continued success.

Next, Biles showcased her unwavering precision on the balance beam, a discipline that had brought her a bronze medal in Tokyo. Her performance was solid and steady, reminding the world why she is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

The floor exercise was where Biles truly shone. Her tumbling passes were nothing short of spectacular, captivating the audience with her athleticism and artistry. While she had made some adjustments to her routines to align with the updated Code of Points, Biles effortlessly executed some of the most challenging moves in the sport.

Biles kept all three of her tumbling passes inbounds, a feat that had posed difficulties for her in the past. Her score of 14.900, including a start value of 6.8, showcased her exceptional skill and difficulty level. No other athlete in the competition had a start value higher than 5.9.

To conclude her remarkable comeback, Biles performed a Yurchenko double-pike vault. This move, consisting of a roundoff onto the table followed by two backflips with her hands clasped behind her knees, had been a goal for Biles in Tokyo. Though she didn't attempt it there, she successfully executed it at the U.S. Classic, earning a score of 15.400, significantly higher than any other competitor.

Biles' performance at the U.S. Classic serves as a preview of what is to come. With the U.S. Championships and world championships on the horizon, Biles has ample time to refine her routines and further showcase her incredible talent. Her all-around score at the U.S. Classic was even higher than her score at the same meet in 2018, a year that marked the beginning of her unprecedented dominance in gymnastics.

Simone Biles has returned to the sport she has redefined over the past decade, and her impact is undeniable. With her remarkable skill, unwavering determination, and unmatched artistry, Biles continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, the gymnastics world eagerly awaits her next triumphs.