Less than three months before the Olympic Games (JO) in Paris, it is impossible to say whether Simone Biles will shine there as she did in Rio in 2016, where she won four titles. But in any case the American already seems ready to return to the gymnastics throne. For her return competition on Saturday May 18, the 27-year-old star won the all-around at the Core Hydration Classic in Connecticut, perfectly launching her Olympic preparation.
Simone Biles dominated two of the competition’s four apparatuses: floor and vault, notably landing the difficult “Yurchenko” double pike, which now goes by the name “Biles II.” Performances that allowed her to obtain a total of 59.5 points, 1.85 more than her compatriot Shilese Jones, who is also looking to qualify for the Olympics. Above all, Biles signs his best score since his return to competition after his shortened campaign at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. All this against top-flight competition, notably including his compatriots Gabby Douglas, Jordan Chiles and therefore Jones.
In Japan, the American had decided to withdraw to “focus on [her] mental health and not compromise [her] health and [her] well-being” as she had explained, saying she wanted “ take a step back.” Saturday, after his victory, the athlete’s speech and face were completely different. “I was just happy to be back, (…) to feel that adrenaline. I can’t really complain about how the competition went,” the champion told NBC.
According to his trainer Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, Biles today has a different attitude from the past. “I don’t know if we can see it, but she is much more relaxed and likes to compete and have fun,” the Frenchwoman said, as quoted by ESPN. “Really, I think she’s really figured out why she’s doing this – and I think for the first time ever, it’s really for her. »
Although it seems highly unlikely, Biles could still not participate in the Olympic Games. The winner of the all-around during the Olympic selections from June 27 to 30 will qualify directly for the Games. Four other American gymnasts will be selected by a committee. Before then, the top candidates will try to secure their place in these qualifiers at the national championships in Texas, May 30-June 2.
