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 and 5 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
It would be their first competition since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when they drew global attention to athletes’ mental health issues.
Biles, 26, was a breakout star of the 2016 Rio Olympics, 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.”
Biles’ appearance in the August competition will raise hopes that she will try to make it to her third Olympic Games, when the world’s best athletes meet in Paris next year. But its been for 2024 is still uncertain.
Without Biles in Tokyo two years ago, the US women’s national team. captured silver in team competition. He returned to action in Tokyo for win bronze on beam.
Shortly after Tokyo, Biles gave tearful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, sharing your story of being sexually abused by American gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
She bluntly said that USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee “didn’t do their job.”
“I don’t want another young gymnast, or Olympian, or any individual to experience the horror that I and hundreds of others have endured before, during, and to this day in the wake of Larry Nassar’s abuse,” Biles said emotionally. he told lawmakers, his voice choked with emotion.
Since the last time Biles competed, she married Green Bay Packers security jonathan owens at a ceremony earlier this year.
When Biles speaks in suburban Chicago in just over six weeks, he will be joined by other Americans. Sunissa Leewho won gold in the individual all-around in Tokyo, and Jade Careygold medalist in floor exercises two years ago.
“It is exciting to think about the level of talent and the historical legacy of the field that can compete in the US Classic,” USA Gymnastics director of programs Stefanie Korepin said in a statement. “Every athlete is at a different place in their season and career, and we will support them, wherever they are on their journey.”
Elisha Fieldstadt and Ali Gostanian contributed.
