U.S. gymnast Simone Biles is set to make her long-awaited return to the competition floor at the Core Hydration U.S. Classic in suburban Chicago on Saturday. This marks her first competitive appearance in two years since she withdrew from the team finals at the Tokyo Olympics due to experiencing the dreaded “twisties.”
During podium training on Friday, Biles showcased routines on all four apparatus, and her performance looked flawless and free of any signs of the twisties. The twisties are a terrifying phenomenon where gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness mid-air, making it dangerous to continue performing complex maneuvers.
Biles had previously hinted at her comeback on her Instagram stories, reassuring fans that she was “twisting again” and feeling confident. After the Tokyo Olympics, she took over a year off from training, but her skills and routines remain as impressive as ever.
Fellow Tokyo Olympics team member and all-around champion, Sunisa Lee, praised Biles’ performance during Friday’s training session, saying she looked “amazing.”
As one of the most decorated gymnasts in history, with seven Olympic and 25 world medals, Biles’ return is highly anticipated by fans and fellow athletes alike. Her presence at the U.S. Classic promises to be a thrilling moment for the gymnastics community as they witness her prowess and artistry once again.
