FORT WORTH, Texas — Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles claimed her ninth U.S. Championship title on Sunday, showcasing her continued dominance in the sport at the age of 27.
Biles achieved an impressive two-day total score of 119.750 in the all-around event, outscoring runner-up Skye Blakely by nearly six points, solidifying her readiness to potentially win another all-around Olympic gold medal, adding to her victory in 2016.
Performing in front of her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, Biles demonstrated her exceptional skills and confidence across all four rotations, displaying her athleticism, precision, and charisma in a flawless routine.
She excelled in all four events, achieving the highest scores, a feat she had previously accomplished only once at nationals in 2018, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming Olympic trials in Minneapolis.
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Despite a minor misstep on vault during warmups, where she landed on her back after overcompensating for the Yurchenko double pike, a move attempted by few other gymnasts, Biles recovered with a strong Cheng vault, securing her ninth national title.
While Biles maintains her superiority in the sport, the competition for the remaining spots on the U.S. Olympic team is intense, with gymnasts like Blakely and Suni Lee stepping up their performances ahead of the trials.
Other contenders like Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey faced challenges during the event, highlighting the tough selection process for the team that aims to reclaim the Olympic gold in Paris after finishing second in Tokyo.
With potential contenders like Shilese Jones and Kaliya Lincoln dealing with injuries, the competition is wide open, testing the depth of the senior elite program and showcasing the talent in the gymnastics community.
