Simone Biles Wins Third AP Female Athlete Of The Year Award

(CTN News) – In the aftermath of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Simone Biles believed that her career had come to an end.

As the prominent figure of the entire U.S. Olympic team, Simone Biles had to withdraw from the competition early due to “twisties,” a condition that affects gymnasts while they are in the air.

This decision brought much-needed attention to the mental health of athletes.

“I honestly didn’t think I would be back here competing at all,” stated Simone Biles, who was recently honored as the Associate Press Female Athlete of the Year.

However, just over a year ago, she began working out at her family’s World Champions Centre in Spring to regain her fitness. “It was simply about having fun in the gym and getting back into shape,” she explained.

She took some time off, did some light training, and then the holidays came, followed by preparations for her wedding to Jonathan Owens, the former Texan football player.

It was during a Tex-Mex dinner and margarita night with her coach, Cecile Landi, in March that the idea of a comeback started to take shape.

Biles shared that with the involvement of margaritas, one cannot predict what they might say, hence the possibility of a different narrative the following day.

However, after her wedding in May, Simone Biles became more focused and determined.

Biles stated that they had an unspoken understanding and were fully aware of the need to focus and refrain from participating in other events and distractions to have a chance at securing a spot in the championships and worlds.

At 26 years old, Simone Biles made a remarkable comeback in June, achieving an eighth U.S. national championship in July and a sixth world all-around gold in October.

She expressed pride in her effort and continuous growth, and while she hasn’t officially committed to Paris, she will likely return with a fresh perspective. Simone Biles becomes the sixth woman to be honored with the AP title for the third time.

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