Simone Biles Emotional After U.S. Classic Win Following Return

Simone Biles shared her joy at winning at the Core Hydration Classic in Illinois on Saturday following her return to gymnastics.

The 26-year-old four-time gold medalist and gymnastic champion scored a triumphant 59.100 and shared an emotional Instagram post detailing her feelings.

In the competition, Biles began with a score of 14 in the uneven bars routine. On the beam, she scored 14.800 following an error. However, her perfect floor routine led her to score 14.9. She landed her Yurchenko double pike with a score of 15.4, cementing her position at the top of the scoreboard.

As she is seen punching the air with her fist victoriously, the picture’s caption reads, “Tears of joy as I make this comeback, surrounded by the love you’ve shown! thank you for believing in me.”

Her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, commented below to say how proud he was of her. “Makes my day seeing you so happy and back doing what you love, and having FUN!!! I love you so much,” he said.

This is Biles’ first-ever competition since she was last seen at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She had temporarily given up on competing citing her decision to “focus on her mental health.”

Leanne Wong, 19, was in second place with a score of 54.100 while 17-year-old Joscelyn Roberson came third with a score of 54.050. Wong, too, expressed her honor at having been able to compete alongside Biles in her first-ever comeback.