Simone Biles breaks 90-year-old US gymnastics record

USA Legend Simone Biles became the first American athlete to win eight all-around gold medals with her victory at the 2023 USA Gymnastics Championships on August 27.

Biles celebrates after winning the all-around gold medal at the USA Gymnastics Championships on August 28. Photo: AP

This is Biles' second tournament since withdrawing from the women's team final and the next four individual finals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns. At the time, the 26-year-old admitted she still struggles with "twisties" - a lack of unity between body and mind.

Entering the second day of competition with a 2.5-point advantage over the runner-up, Biles easily claimed the record title. She chose not to attempt the "Yurchenko double pike" - named after the early 1980s all-around champion - after twisting her ankle while attempting it on August 25.

Instead, Biles put up a solid performance in all four final events to earn a 59.150 on the day and a total of 118.450, surpassing the 114.550 of second-place Shilese Jones - the 2022 World All-Around silver medalist. The bronze went to Leanne Wong - the 2021 World All-Around silver medalist - with 111.100 points.

When Biles finished, the crowd of nearly 12,000 fans stood up and paid tribute to one of the greatest athletes in history. "It was really cool. Everyone here believed in me and my teammates, my coaches, my family believed in me," the 1997-born athlete told NBC . "So I just started believing in myself a little more. I love the fans, and it was really special."

With her eighth all-around gold medal at the U.S., Biles broke the record she previously shared with the late legend Alfred Jochim, who won his seventh and final title 90 years ago, in 1933.

It's been 10 years since Biles first made a splash in the gymnastics world, beating 2012 Olympic gold medalist Kyla Ross to win her first American title at the 2013 nationals. The 33 world and Olympic medals she's won since then have overshadowed that first victory.

"I don't remember much about the first title," Biles admitted. "I think sometimes you get a bit of a blackout whenever all that happens. I also think whenever I win a title, I'm immediately focused on the next thing. So I never really had time to enjoy and celebrate those titles."

Therefore, the 26-year-old athlete wants to spend time sharing joy with teammates and family after the 2023 US Gymnastics Championship to preserve memories.

Biles smiles with teammates before a competition on August 28. Photo: AP

Simone Biles was born in 1997 in the US, and is known as the "Queen of Gymnastics" for her ability to perform the most difficult moves in this sport. She also created the double somersault in the air, which is named after her. During her career, she won 25 medals at world championships. At the 2016 Olympics, Biles was the first American to win four gold medals in gymnastics in one competition. She was also the first female athlete to win all four world all-around championships in 2018.

Simone Biles was awarded the 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden. She is seen as a symbol of the fight against racism and sexual abuse of athletes.

Hong Duy

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