FORT WORTH, Texas — Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles claimed her ninth U.S. Championship on Sunday, reaffirming her dominance in the sport after over a decade of success at the age of 27.
Biles achieved a two-day all-around score of 119.750, nearly six points ahead of second-place Skye Blakely, signaling her readiness to pursue a second all-around Olympic gold medal to complement her 2016 victory.
Performing in front of her husband, Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, Biles showcased her extraordinary skills with a blend of athleticism, precision, and confidence over four rotations.
With the highest two-day score on all four events, a feat she had accomplished only once before at nationals in 2018, Biles gathered momentum heading into the Olympic trials later this month in Minneapolis.
Despite a minor misstep on the vault, where she stumbled during warmups, Biles recovered and displayed a stellar performance across other events, solidifying her ninth national title, a record achievement in U.S. gymnastics history.
While Biles remains a favorite for the Olympics, the battle for the remaining spots on the U.S. team promises fierce competition. Athletes like Blakely, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey have shown impressive performances and will be contenders for the final team selection.
With athletes like Shilese Jones and Kaliya Lincoln navigating injuries, the prospect of earning a spot on the Olympic team remains open, providing opportunities for emerging talents to shine.
