Simon Biles Readies Return for US Classic Near Chicago
Simon Biles, widely regarded as the most decorated gymnast in American history, is set to return to competition at the US Classic in August. The event marks her first appearance outside the Tokyo Games footprint, and it will take place on the outskirts of Chicago, where the American Gymnastics Federation confirmed the lineup on Wednesday.
At 26, Biles brings a remarkable Olympic resume, having secured five medals in Rio 2016—four golds and one bronze—and adding two medals in Tokyo alongside a determined focus on mental health advocacy. In Tokyo, the team faced a withdrawal from the finals in part due to the intense mind-body strain known in gymnastics circles as the folds, a reference to the complex balance required during routines.
Two years after Tokyo, the American champion is poised to return to competition at the US Classic, scheduled for August 4 and 5 at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, just outside Chicago. The event serves as a crucial prelude to the United States Gymnastics Championships, which are slated for August 24 to 27 in San José, California.
Past US Classic victories have featured Olympic medalists and prominent figures such as Amanda Borden, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, and Laurie Hernandez. This year, Biles is expected to head a field that includes other Olympic gold medalists from the 2020 Games, highlighting the event as a gathering of elite American talent and a key stepping stone toward national titles.
In total, the Hoffman Estates competition is shaping up as a showcase of eleven Olympic and world champions, reflecting the high level of competition and the sport’s enduring appeal. Biles has not competed since the Tokyo Games and has used the intervening period to concentrate on mental health and to advance the rights of athletes across the sporting landscape.
During Tokyo 2020 practice sessions, Biles experienced twists in her routines that led to a shift away from some individual apparatus finals. She later participated in a modified routine on the balance beam, earning a bronze medal despite the challenges. This period underscored her resilience and commitment to evolving as an athlete while prioritizing well being and personal growth.
Beyond the gym floor, Biles expanded her personal life with a public announcement on April 24 confirming her marriage to Jonathan Owens. Owens plays professional football for the Houston Texans. The couple shared images from the courthouse ceremony on social media, marking a new chapter a few months after their engagement became public.
As the US Classic approaches, supporters and critics alike will be watching how Biles balances a demanding return with the broader responsibilities she has embraced as an advocate for athletes’ mental health and rights. Remaining a benchmark for the sport, her presence at Hoffmann Estates adds a layer of anticipation for fans and a statement about perseverance in the face of pressure. The event’s outcome will likely influence discussions about preparation, recovery, and the evolving expectations placed on elite competitors in the United States and beyond. The broader narrative positions Biles not only as a competitor but as a symbol of resilience and leadership within gymnastics, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence while safeguarding their well being. Attribution: USA Gymnastics