Gym Superstar Simone Biles is set to take the competitive stage later this summer, in her first sanctioned event in nearly two years, officials said Wednesday.
Organizers of the US Classic announced that the four time gold medalist will compete in the event August 4-5 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
It would be their first competition since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when they drew global attention to athletes’ mental health issues.
Biles was a breakout star of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, taking gold in the all-around team, individual, vault and floor exercises and taking a bronze medal on the balance beam.
She was the focal point of attention heading into the Covid-delayed games in Tokyo.
Biles later shocked the gymnastics world when she withdrew from the team final, saying the emotional toll of the Tokyo Games, not physical injury, caused her withdrawal.
“Physically, I feel good. I’m in shape,” she told Hoda Kotb on NBC’s “TODAY” after her departure. “Emotionally, it varies according to time and moment. Getting to the Olympics and being the main star is no easy feat.»
Later, he explained to NBC’s Andrea Joyce that his fight was «more mental, and we’re just dealing with a couple of things internally.»
Without Biles, American women still captured silver in team competition. He returned to action in Tokyo for win bronze on beam.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
Elisha Fieldstadt contributed.