Simone Biles Makes History with Eighth U.S. National All-Around Gymnastics Title
Simone Biles rewrites history by securing her 8th US all-around gymnastics title at the 2023 Gymnastics Championships, showcasing her unparalleled skill and dedication. We discuss it here!
On August 27, 2023, at the SAP Center, Simone Biles exults in her victory, taking the top spot in the floor exercise competition during day four of the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships. PHOTO: EZRA SHAW/GETTY
By: Adonis Armstrong
For years, Simone Biles has garnered praise from fans, with many hailing her as the ultimate champion. Once more, she demonstrated her worthiness of that accolade at the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, held on Sunday August 27th in San Jose, California. She secured three titles, Biles achieved the distinction of becoming the oldest woman to conquer the all-around category. Also, she etched her name in history as the inaugural gymnast to claim a total of eight U.S. all-around titles.
Dominating the competition, the athlete clinched the gold for her remarkable performances in both the balance beam and floor exercises. Her overall two-day score of 118.45 showcased her prowess, with impressive scores of 29.300 on the balance beam, 30.200 on the floor, 28.400 on uneven bars, and 30.550 on vault. Adding to her victories, she secured a bronze medal for her exceptional uneven bars routine, as reported by GMA.
Since her debut in 2013, Biles has amassed an impressive collection of 27 U.S. titles and 35 medals from national championships. With seven Olympic medals to her name, including the title of 2016 Olympic individual all-around champion, her achievements are nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, Biles made headlines when she chose to prioritize her mental health during the Tokyo Olympics, withdrawing from both the team and individual all-around gymnastics events. This decision was prompted by a moment during the vaulting competition where she felt disoriented while mid-air.
At the age of 26, the athlete previously held an all-around national championship record jointly with Alfred Jochim, who secured seven men's titles spanning 1925 to 1930 and 1933. However, her recent victory has propelled her to surpass this 90-year-old record.
The 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, however, left spectators amazed by her prowess. As she concluded the floor exercise during the final rotation, the gymnast earned a standing ovation from the audience of nearly 12,000, serving as a powerful reminder that she is still widely regarded as the Greatest of All Time.
Following the competition, Biles received an invitation to become a member of the USA Gymnastics 2023-’24 Senior Women’s National Team.
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Simone Biles Makes a Dominant Return to Gymnastics with Three Gold Medals
Simone Biles makes triumphant gymnastics comeback at U.S. Classic, winning three gold medals and setting sights on future competitions. We discuss it here!
Simone Biles showcases her floor exercise routine at the U.S. Classic in Hoffman Estates, Ill. on Saturday August 5, 2023. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
By: Adonis Armstrong
Simone Biles made a triumphant return to competitive gymnastics at the U.S. Classic, also known as the Core Hydration Classic in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, marking her first competition since the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, where she took a bronze medal in the beam event before withdrawing from the Team All-Around due to the "Twisties." After the tournament, Biles announced an extended hiatus from competition.
"After everything that transpired in Tokyo, the amount of outpouring of love and support that I had on Twitter, on Instagram and in the arena was just really shocking and surprising to me that they still have so much belief in me," Biles stated. "They still love me, and it just makes my heart warm. Especially in a time like this where I was really nervous to compete again."
Over the weekend, Simone Biles made her much-anticipated return to competition after the Tokyo Olympics. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
On the August 4 training day, Biles opted not to engage with the media, but she greeted fans warmly, displaying a positive demeanor while joking with her teammates. The US Classic acts as the decisive qualifier for the upcoming US Gymnastics Championships in San Jose, later this month. Biles' long-term aspiration appears to be rejoining the US Olympic Team, aiming for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, scheduled to occur less than a year from today. Despite her two-year absence from the sport, Biles showcased her dominance in the competition without delay.
SIMONE. FREAKING. BILESpic.twitter.com/FkKj6p4ha3
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 6, 2023
Biles emerged from the event with an impressive haul of four medals – three gold and one bronze. Throughout the proceedings on August 5, she demonstrated that her time away from the sport had minimal impact on her skills, securing the All-Around gold by a amazing 5-point margin, a significant achievement in a sport where small differences matter. She also claimed gold medals in the beam and floor events and earned a bronze in the uneven bars. Looking ahead, Biles will focus on the upcoming US Championships, taking place later this month. Biles is likely to participate in the World Championships in Belgium at the end of September.
"I think the night went really well," following the meet, Biles expressed her thoughts. "Everything has fallen into place. I feel really good about where I am right now, mentally and physically. There are some things to work on in my routines, but for the first meet back, I would say it went pretty well. I'm very shocked and surprised."
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Fisk University Is Making History With HBCU Gymnastics Program
Fisk University, who started their gymnastics program last spring, is set to become the first HBCU to participate in an NCAA women’s gymnastic meet Friday. We discuss it here!
Fisk Gymnastics
By: Adonis Armstrong
Jordynn Cromartie entered her senior year of high school going through a tough decision; a decision many other Black gymnasts have been struggling with for years. The Houston native wanted to go to a predominantly Black college or university, and she wanted to continue to play the sport she loves and committed her whole life to.
Cromartie had one issue; she knew it was a strong possibility she couldn’t do both. While talking to her Uncle during Thanksgiving, Frank Simmons, who is on the Board of Trustees at Fisk University, Cromartie discussed her concerns about going to Fisk, which is a private HBCU located in Nashville, Tennessee with around 1,000 students.
“He and my aunt were like, ‘Oh you haven’t made a decision, you should come to Fisk,’” Cromartie said. “I’m like, ‘Well, they don’t have a gymnastics team.’ To go to a college that doesn’t have what I would be working for forever was crazy to me.” Simmons gave her some hope by saying, “I’ll make it happen.”
Within the span of many weeks, Simmons connected with the founder of Atlanta based, Brown Girls Do Gymnastics owner, Derrin Moore, who has been attempting to drum up support for gymnastics at an HBCU, specifically with Fisk trustees. One trustee was very in tune with Moore’s pitch and generously donated $100,000 if Fisk would adopt the sport.
Fisk University will make history Friday afternoon in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena becoming the first HBCU to participate in an NCAA women’s gymnastics meet. The Bulldogs are set to compete against Southern Utah, Washington, and North Carolina as part of the inaugural Super 16, an event that includes some tough perennial NCAA powerhouses like Oklahoma, Michigan, and UCLA.
With the emergence and popularity of Olympic champions Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles, the face of gymnastics has been changing. It started with the help of Biles winning in 2012, becoming the first Black woman to win Olympic gold.
Hopefully, in the future more HBCUs will follow in the footsteps of Fisk University and get out of their comfort zones and help expand the opportunity for athletes to choose the legacy with the opportunity to do what they love.
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Tokyo Olympics: 4 Black Women Who Are Chasing Gold Medals
The Tokyo Summer Olympics are set to officially commence on Friday, July 23 and there will be a number of Black athletes competing for the gold-- especially Black women. Here are four Black women expected to dominate the Summer Olympics!
Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles look to dominate at the Tokyo Olympics
By: Cory Utsey
The once-postponed yet highly anticipated Tokyo Summer Olympics officially commence on Friday, July 23. This means that the Olympic trials are in full effect, and American athletes are competing to be a part of the anticipated 600 qualifiers being sent to Tokyo.
It is already clear that there will likely be a number of Black athletes competing for the gold-- especially Black women.
Here are four of the Black women athletes expected to dominate the Summer Olympics.
Sha’Carri Richardson - Track and Field
Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the first heat of the semifinals in the women's 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on Saturday in Eugene, Ore.
Associated Press photo by Ashley Landis
The 21-year-old Dallas native first came to prominence in 2019. A freshman at Louisiana State University at the time, she ran 10.75 seconds and broke the 100 meter record at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships, winning her the NCAA title.
Despite losing her mother just days before the U.S Olympic Track and Field trials, she secured her spot in Tokyo on Juneteenth by running 10.86 seconds for the women’s 100 meter event. Immediately running to embrace her grandmother following her success, the bright-haired beauty warmed the hearts of many.
Richardson continues to trend, not only for her immense success on the field, but for her confident candor off the field. Letting everyone know that she is “that girl”, many are excited to see her compete on Team USA Track and Field.
Simone Manuel - Swimming
Simone Manuel - Getty Images
At the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, Manuel became the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal, and she will now be competing in the 50 meter freestyle.
The trailblazer revealed that she was recently diagnosed with overtraining syndrome (OTS), a form of burnout which causes fatigue and temporarily declines the performance of athletes despite intense training. Experiencing symptoms such as anxiety and sore muscles, she was forced to take a three-week hiatus from training.
Fortunately, none of these tribulations stopped her from securing her spot on Team USA Swimming.
Allyson Felix - Track and Field
Allyson Felix at the Olympic Trials
Credit: Ashley Landis/Associated Press
Felix has nine Olympic medals-- enough said.
After qualifying for the 400 meter event, she will compete in her 5th olympics. Felix is currently the most decorated Olympic runner in U.S. history.
This three-time World Champion is expected to make great strides, regardless of which event she competes in.
Simone Biles - Gymnastics
Simone Biles competing in the floor exercise during the 2021 Olympic Trials
Credit: Carmen Mandato/ Getty Images
The five-time Olympic medalist is set to compete once again at the Olympics.
Known as one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world-- third to be exact-- USA Today reports that she already secured the all-around title at the U.S Gymnastics Championships.
There is very little doubt that she will be anything less than extraordinary.
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Deconstructed: A Look Into Nia Dennis’ Black Excellence Floor Routine
Nia Dennis payed homage to Black Culture, Cali Culture, and Hip Hop with an amazing floor routine for UCLA gymnastics and became a viral sensation in the process. We break down her routine here!
UCLA gymnast Nia Dennis completes her floor routine Jan. 23, 2021.
By: Baigen Seawell
We can all agree that Black Women are literally a gem to the world.
We’ve been ruling athletics these past few weeks! From taking jobs in the MLB, NFL and more, Black Women have made a point in athletics from the higher ups. From the performance side, we are the blueprint.
Nia Dennis, a senior sociology major and gymnast at UCLA, hails from Columbus, OH. She performed a viral floor routine on Saturday that got rave reviews from the likes of Missy Elliott, and Janet Jackson on her skillset and incorporation of legendary choreography into her routine this year.
She did all of this while tallying up a near perfect score.
This is what #blackexcellence looks like. @DennisNia does it again! 🔥
— UCLA Gymnastics (@uclagymnastics) January 24, 2021
📹 @Pac12Network pic.twitter.com/2vxgyTvUCG
.@DennisNia I luv it 👸🏽 pic.twitter.com/X0Buu7uxcY
— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) January 25, 2021
I was mat talking you, while watching this @DennisNia!!!!! WOWOWOWOWOW! 🙌🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/9s1XgIfXn4
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 25, 2021
This isn’t the first time she’s gone viral though. Dennis actually scored a 9.975/10 last year with a Beyoncé inspired routine and even found herself on the Ellen Show, where she and the Bruins received rave reviews for their viral performances on the floor.
She’s no stranger to the attention. But with the state of our country, the push to appreciate Black Women and Women in Sports as a whole has hit so much harder. Hence why this routine meant so much to so many people.
The Bruins took on the Arizona State Sun Devils in this meet and it went down to the wire. While each event gathers a unique bit of attention, the floor routine is always a show stopper. In this routine, Dennis pays homage to Black Culture, Cali Culture, and everything that meshes in between.
Before I start, here’s some quick pointers about artistic gymnastics and floor routines. Athletes are given around 90 seconds, and this is the most that a gymnast is able to show their personality. They will go through a total of 3 tumbling passes with dashes of choreography and music that synchronize with said routine.
The Deconstruction:
1. “Humble” - Kendrick Lamar, Kneeling
Dennis starts with her hand on her heart before the guitar riff from Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble”
She goes from the typical pose seen prior to competition, with her hand on her heart, to a kneel. This can be homage to Colin Kaepernick, and the countless athletes and student-athletes standing for something, even if it meant losing everything.
2. “Pass the Dutch” - Missy Elliott, Stepping
Dennis proceeds with her first tumbling pass before the song transitions to an African dance beat with a nod to Bey referencing “Homecoming” before transitioning into “Pass the Dutch” by Missy Elliot. Dennis also has a quick sequence of stepping, an homage to her father, who is a member of Greek Life.
3. “Every Time tha Beat Drop” - Monica
Nia transitions into a new song (and one of my favorite parts of the routine), being “Every Time the Beat Drop” by Monica. The song just hit the airwaves again when the song prompted a new Tiktok dance that she incorporates into her routine. She also adds in “Move like a Snake'' for a little flare before going into her middle pass.
4. “Crank Dat” - Soulja Boy
After the middle pass (and her tumbles are on beat by the way, how many people can say they can do that while tumbling?), Dennis transitions to another old school dance with “Crank Dat”, where she even gets her coach to crank with her!
5. California Homage
Dennis closes out with the final seconds of her routine with “Boyz-N-Tha Hood” by Eazy-E and N.W.A. (While some people are saying it’s Meg’s “Girls in the Hood” due to the remaster of the song, I’m leaning towards the OG version due to the relation of the song in the routine).
She then transitions flawlessly into “California Love” by 2Pac, where she hits a good C-Walk before closing out with a final pass and closing her routine with a flawless finish of 9.95.
The Bruins downed the Sun Devils 196.150 to 195.950. Dennis not only tallied a near perfect score on the floor, but also got a 9.9 on the vault as well.
While she may not be a stranger to making gymnast enthusiasts watch and listen, in this routine she definitely made the world stop.
Carry on.
Meet Adonis Armstrong, Co-Founder & President of 247 Live Culture!
Email: Adonis@247LiveCulture.com