Simone Biles Announces Return to Gymnastics After 2020 Olympics Withdrawal
Simone Biles is making a comeback!
The 26-year-old gymnastics legend, who famously withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on account of mental health reasons, is getting back on the mat as she plans to compete at the U.S. Classic outside Chicago later this summer.
The news was announced in a press release from USA Gymnastics on Wednesday, June 28, confirming that the four-time gold medalist and 2016 all-around Olympic champion has registered for the U.S. Classic, along fellow gymnastics superstars Sunisa Lee and Jade Carey.
The upcoming competition, set for August 4 and 5 at NOW Arena in suburban Chicago, marks Biles' first competition back since the 2020 Tokyo Games, which took place in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic-related delays.
Coming soon to U.S. Classic...
A trio of Olympic Gold Medalists headline the list of athletes registered for the 2023 U.S. Classic, held August 4 & 5 at @NOW_Arena!
See the full list of entrants! ??https://t.co/BDqSYi78b4— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) June 28, 2023
Biles, a seven-time Olympic medalist, notably pulled out of the Olympic team finals and individual all-around finals in July of 2021, a decision that was made for the sake of her mental health.
"We wholeheartedly support Simone's decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being," USA Gymnastics said in a statement at the time. "Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many."
Biles, who has since been praised for opening up some honest conversations about athletes and mental health, later hinted at a possible return to the 2024 Paris games, but not until after a much-needed break.
Instead, she has since been busy focusing on her personal life, including her relationship with NFL player and now-husband Jonathan Owens, whom she wed in April.
Next: Simone Biles Shares Bridal Transformation Video From Cabo Wedding