Photo: Getty Images
Simone Biles is continuing to break records and make history.
On Sunday (August 27), Biles, 26, made history with a record eighth national all-around title at the US Gymnastics Championships in San Jose, California, per CNN.
Biles broke the record that she previously shared with Alfred Jochim, who won his seventh all-around gold medal in 1933. The 26-year-old also became the oldest woman to win the championships.
“I think it feels really special,” Biles told NBC. “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.”
Biles scored 14.050 on the uneven parallel bars, 14.85 on the balance beam, and 15.400 on her floor exercise, earning an ovation from the crowd.
“It’s really amazing. Everybody in here believes in me,” Biles said. “So I just need to start believing in myself a little bit more, but it feels amazing and I love the fans, I love the crowd. It was really special.”
The history-maker declined to confirm whether she would compete in next year's Olympics.
“I like to keep (my goals) personal just so that I know what I am aiming for,” she told NBC. “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' achievement comes amid her return to gymnastics following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics where she withdrew from several events while dealing with the "twisties." With Sunday's title, Biles has qualified for the world championships, which are set to start on September 30 in Antwerp, Belgium.
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