Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, dominated the US Gymnastics Championships once again, winning her record-breaking ninth all-around title. The event took place from Thursday to Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. Biles' victory was assured after she recorded the highest score on all four events: balance beam, floor exercise, uneven bars, and vault.
Biles returned to competition last year after taking a two-year break to focus on her mental health. Her return was met with success as she became the most decorated gymnast ever. Despite a fall on her vault during the championships, she still managed to score 15.000 due to its high difficulty.
Skye Blakely finished in second place, while Kayla DiCello came in third. Suni Lee and Jordan Chiles also competed and finished fourth and fifth respectively.
The women's team for the Paris Olympics will be chosen after the Olympic Trials. The top two finishers at trials automatically qualify for the team, while other members will be selected based on results at nationals and trials as well as past meets in this Olympic cycle.
Biles' victory marks her third trip to the Olympics. She previously competed in 2016 and 2020. The Paris Olympics are scheduled for later this year.
The men's gymnastics team will also be chosen after trials, with the top three finishers on three of six apparatuses making the team if they are not already among the top two all-around finishers.
Other notable competitors included Brody Malone, who won his third all-around national title despite a serious knee injury last season. Shilese Jones withdrew from the championships due to a shoulder injury but was approved to compete at trials.
