After a record eighth national all-around title Sunday, it’s clear Simone Biles is once again setting the standard. And the rest of the U.S. gymnastics team is rising to meet it.
— If there is an equivalent of a walk-off homer in gymnastics, it is Simone Biles competing last on floor.
Biles clinched a record eighth U.S. national all-around title Sunday with the most flawless performance she has given since returning to competitive gymnastics at U.S. Classic three weeks ago. «That was the best floor routine I’ve ever seen her do,» her coach, Laurent Landi, said. As Biles struck the ending pose on a routine that earned her a sixth national floor title, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation that shook the SAP Center. It was as if the 11,000 fans in attendance had been bottling two years of applause for the four-time Olympic gold medalist.
«Every time I come out here, I feel like I’m in a fever dream,» Biles said after the meet. «I feel like nothing’s real. I knew I did a good floor routine, but as soon as I got off and saw the score, I was like, ‘Damn, I need to see that routine.’ Because I wasn’t sure. I’m in the moment. But it doesn’t feel real for some reason. I just, seriously, can’t believe I’m out here competing again. I’m proud of myself for that.»
Although Biles led the two-day competition after day one, as well as after every rotation Sunday, it was that floor routine that will stick in the minds of U.S. gymnastics fans for some time. They are here largely to watch Biles. Look no further than the handmade «Simone Zone» and «Biles is Back» signs they hoist after her routines for proof.
Get exclusive access to thousands of premium articles a year from top writers.
• Would Team USA roster win NBA title? »
• Schefter’s fantasy football cheat sheet »
• Barnwell: NFL teams that will improve »
More ESPN+ content »
One fan, who traveled from Denver to meet up with his father, who drove from Seattle, carried a sign that read, «We traveled 1,685 miles for Biles!» For fans like them, every floor routine, every Yurchenko double pike vault, every beam set, feels like bonus time with the 26-year-old, who took two years off after the Tokyo Olympics, her future in the sport uncertain until her return earlier this month.
