Simone Biles, arguably the best female gymnast in the world, returned to competition after a two-year hiatus at USA Gymnastics’ national championships that concluded Sunday night. The American gymnast became the first woman to win five U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Championships all-around titles.
Biles achieved the feat while wearing a teal leotard, the designated color for survivors of sexual abuse, highlighting the scandal that has rocked the sport for the past year.
“It is for the survivors,” Biles told ESPN. “I stand with all of them, and I think it’s kind of special to unite.”
Biles was among more than 100 gymnasts that were abused by ex-U.S. team doctor Larry Nassar who received a prison sentence of up to 175 years after pleading guilty to criminal sexual conduct.
Biles won four gold medals at Rio 2016, becoming the first woman since Dominique Dawes in 1994 to snag the top score on every event. In the best possible way upon returning to competition after her break, Biles won in Boston with a total of 119.850 points. Reigning world champion Morgan Hurd won with a total of 113.300, which is 6.55 points behind, giving Biles her biggest win so far.
“It feels really special, especially coming back after such a long break and being able to keep up with the other girls,” Biles said in an interview with NBC after the final event.
Biles continues to test her limits and push through the different terms of routine difficulty and competitive determination as she prepares for what likely will be a return to the world championships in Doha, Qatar, and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
By: Maytinee Kramer
