FORT WORTH, Texas — Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles claimed her ninth U.S. Championship title on Sunday, showcasing her enduring skill and dominance in the sport even after more than a decade.
Biles achieved a commanding two-day all-around score of 119.750, surpassing runner-up Skye Blakely by nearly six points and signaling her readiness to pursue a second all-around Olympic gold, following her victory in 2016.
Performing in front of her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, Biles demonstrated her exceptional athleticism, precision, and confidence across all four rotations.
Biles excelled on all four events, a feat she had previously accomplished only once at the nationals in 2018, setting the stage for the upcoming Olympic trials in Minneapolis.
People are also reading…
Her only setback on Sunday occurred during the vault routine, where she struggled with a Yurchenko double pike in warmups. Despite the mishap, Biles recovered with a Cheng vault that secured her ninth national title, a remarkable achievement unmatched in U.S. gymnastics history.
While Biles remains a dominant force, the competition for the remaining spots on the U.S. team headed to Paris is fierce, with athletes like Skye Blakely and Suni Lee poised to make significant impacts.
Blakely, rebounding from a previous injury setback, and Lee, overcoming health issues, showcased their talent and determination at the championships, setting the stage for a thrilling Olympic trials.
Despite challenges faced by other contenders, including falls and injuries, the road to Paris remains open for rising stars like Shilese Jones and Kaliya Lincoln, promising an exciting and competitive journey ahead.
