Simone Biles ready to make a comeback

CHICAGO: Simone Biles, the 26-year-old gymnastics superstar, is set to make a highly anticipated return to elite competition in Chicago this Saturday.

After a tumultuous campaign at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics two years ago, Biles took a break from competitive gymnastics.

An AFP report said that the Olympic gold medalist now aims to put the dreaded “twisties” behind her. Is is taking a first step towards next year’s Olympic Games.

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Biles expected to defend her 2016 Olympics all-around title during the Tokyo Games. . However, her challenge unraveled dramatically as she made uncharacteristic stumbles during early qualification rounds.

The weight of expectations and mental health issues led her to withdraw from several competitions, citing the “twisties”, a disorienting phenomenon in gymnastics.

Biles received widespread praise for decision to prioritize her mental health and withdraw from competition. It was a pivotal moment for mental health awareness in elite sports. Even after confirming her return to competition, Biles continues to work on her mental well-being through therapy to address past traumas.

In a recent Instagram Q&A, Biles expressed confidence in overcoming the “twisties” and returning to the gym. Her participation in this weekend’s US Classic marks a major step towards her potential comeback.

Biles has not confirmed whether she will compete in the Paris Olympics next year. It is uncertain if she will attend as an athlete or an audience member.

The US Classic has been a successful event for Biles in the past. In 2018, she used it as her comeback meet after taking a break following her gold-medal winning performance at the Rio Olympics. Biles followed that return with two world championship all-around gold medals in 2018 and 2019.

Additionally, this weekend’s event in Chicago will witness the return of reigning Olympic all-around champion Sunisa Lee. Lee has faced health issues related to her kidneys this year.

As the gymnastics world eagerly awaits Biles’ return to competition, her presence in Chicago signals a significant moment for both her career and the conversation around mental health in sports.

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