Even Simone Biles was surprised by how impressive she is on the mat.
The four-time Olympic gold medallist, 26, returned to competition earlier this year, adding another national and world championship gold medal to her pile of career achievements. Biles’ dominant comeback has seen her named the Associated Press ‘AP’ Female Athlete of the Year” for the third time in her career, as expectations of her competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics continue to grow. Biles, who previously won the award in 2016 and 2019, nevertheless took a modest approach to her return.
She has yet to register for the 2024 Summer Games or give any hint of overconfidence after stepping away from gymnastics for about two years, taking a break from the sport after 2021 due to a “pivot”. Biles told the AP that she felt like she had put herself in a “protective shell” as she tried to overcome the problem in recent years, which she said included going to therapy. Biles came out of that shell in dramatic fashion in July when she made her return to the mats in Chicago, on pace for her eighth career national championship and first since 2021.
“I did a lot better than I thought I would,” Biles told the AP, admitting she was unsure about returning.
Simone Biles’ husband Jonathan Owens ‘doesn’t mind’ backlash over claims he’s the ‘clutch’ in their marriage
The following month, Biles added her sixth all-around title at the world championships, officially making her the most decorated gymnast in history.
“It means everything to me, the fight, everything I put in to get back to this place, to feel comfortable and confident enough to compete,” said an emotional Biles after taking home another gold.
Simone Biles.
Team Clayton/Corbis via Getty
Biles said she’s been trying to enjoy the moment of her career a little more since returning to the sport. “I try to think about it every day, especially in therapy when we talk about it,” Biles told the AP after winning her sixth gold at the world championships. “And I think that’s when all the emotions come out. And I really think about what I’ve done and what we’ve done for the sport and push it forward. So I think it’s really exciting. But all in all, I don’t think it will hit me until I retire and then I look back and see everything I’ve done.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Even without gold medals and a dramatic career comeback, Biles had an unforgettable 2023 as family came into focus.
She and NFL safety Jonathan Owens officially tied the knot on April 22. And in October, Biles said Today her outlook on life has since changed.
“Gymnastics is just something that I come in and have the privilege of doing,” Biles said. “I don’t feel like it’s over anymore like I used to. I got to go home to my husband, my dogs, my house and all that stuff. So it feels really good.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education