Simone Biles Is Officially Making Her Gymnastics Comeback 2 Years After Withdrawing from Tokyo Olympics
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It's official: Simone Biles is returning to gymnastics this summer.
USA Gymnastics recently announced that the gold medalist, 26, is getting back on the mat for the 2023 U.S. Classic—her first event since withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. And according to the official press release, Biles will be joined by fellow gold medalist Sunisa Lee and Olympic floor champion Jade Carey.
USA Gymnastics Chief Programs Officer Stefanie Korepin said in a statement, “It is exciting to think about the level of talent and historical legacy of the field that may compete at U.S. Classic. 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.”
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In 2021, Biles withdrew from multiple events at the Tokyo Olympics after dealing with "the twisties"—a phenomenon that causes gymnasts to lose their sense of space while twisting in midair, making it harder to land safely.
In an emotional Facebook video from September 2021, Biles opened up about the experience. She said, "Having these mental blocks in the gym recently, it’s not been fun, it’s been scary. I’m getting lost in my skills. I’m so prepared that I don’t know if I’m overthinking, but it’s getting to the point where it’s becoming dangerous."
As a result, Biles took a break to focus on her mental health, then returned to win a bronze medal in the balance beam final.
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During her appearance on the Late Late Show with James Corden in September 2022, Biles revealed that she was still undecided about entering the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, the athlete hinted that it was still a possibility. She said, "Right now I still have to heal mentally and physically. I will be in Paris, I just don't know what role, if that is an athlete or an audience member, so we'll just have to see."
We'll keep our fingers crossed.
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