Simone Biles Dazzles in Her Return Following 2-year Layoff to Easily Claim US Classic

Biles soared to victory in the U.S. Classic on Saturday night in her return following a two-year layoff after the Tokyo Olympics, the case of “ the twisties ” that forced her to take herself out of multiple events in Japan seemingly firmly in her rearview mirror.

Simone Biles reacts after performing in the floor exercise at the U.S. Classic gymnastics competition in Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Aug. 5, 2023. Erin Hooley/AP Photo

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.—Simone Biles began her first competition in 732 days by briefly running around during introductions, unsure of where she was supposed to go.

It’s the only time she seemed out of place. Once Biles saluted the judges, it was the same as it ever was.