Gymnastics 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 U.S. Classic announced that the four-time gold medalist will compete in the event on Aug. 4-5 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
It would be her first competition since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when she brought worldwide attention to the mental health struggles of athletes.
Biles was a breakout star of the 2016 Rio Olympics, striking gold in the team all-around, individual all-around, vault and floor exercise and taking a bronze on the balance beam.
She was the focal point of attention headed into the Covid-delayed games in Tokyo.
Biles then stunned the gymnastics world when she pulled out of the team finals, saying the emotional toll of the Tokyo Games, not a physical injury, prompted her withdrawal.
“Physically, I feel good. I’m in shape,” she told Hoda Kotb on NBC’s “TODAY” following her exit. “Emotionally, it varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn’t an easy feat.”
Later, she explained to NBC’s Andrea Joyce that her struggle was “more mental, and we’re just dealing with a couple of things internally.”
Without Biles, the U.S. women still captured silver in team competition. She returned to action in Tokyo to win bronze on the beam.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Elisha Fieldstadt contributed.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Nbcnews.com
