Simone Biles Shatters Records with Unprecedented 8th National Gymnastics Title!

Simone Biles, undeniably one of the gymnastic greats, solidified her legacy by clinching her eighth national all-around title at the US Gymnastics Championships. At 26, Biles not only secured the championship but also made history as the oldest woman to achieve this feat, outclassing Shilese Jones by a remarkable 3.9 points. Jones, the 2022 US and world championships all-around silver medalist, claimed the runner-up position.

This landmark victory sees Biles surpassing Alfred Jochim’s longstanding record of seven all-around gold medals, a record that had remained unbroken for an astonishing 90 years since 1933.

Reflecting on her achievement, Biles shared, “I think it feels really special… I’ve been doing it for so long, I feel like I don’t think about numbers, I think about my performance. And I think, overall, I hit eight for eight (routines)… I guess it’s a lucky number this year.”

After a significant break from major competitions, Biles exhibited unparalleled skill and composure in her routines, asserting herself as the dominant force throughout the championships. Her performances on Friday and Sunday were truly awe-inspiring, culminating in an extraordinary floor exercise routine that garnered an impressive score of 15.400.

As she concluded her floor routine to thunderous applause from the audience, Biles was enveloped in embraces from her teammates and coaches. Teammate Jordan Chiles, recognizing the gravity of Biles’ achievement, urged the crowd to sustain the applause.

While celebrations ensued, Biles remained cryptic about her potential involvement in the upcoming Olympics. She explained, “I like to keep (my goals) personal just so that I know what I am aiming for… I’m trying to move a little bit differently this year than I have in the past. So I think it’s working so far, so I’m gonna keep it a little bit secretive.”

Biles’ triumphant return follows a two-year hiatus after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she grappled with the mental block known as the “twisties.” Impressively, she executed elements in her routines that no other female gymnast has successfully landed in competition.

This historic victory propels Biles, who has amassed an incredible 27 U.S. titles and 35 national championship medals since her senior debut in 2013, into the World Championships/Pan American Games Selection Camp, slated for September 18-21 in Katy, Texas. Here, rosters for the 2023 FIG Artistic World Championships and 2023 Pan American Games will be finalized.