The World Artistic Gymnastics Championships return to Antwerp, the city that hosted the first edition 120 years ago, and it is a familiar hunting ground for Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in the competition's history.
The American won the first of her five world all-around titles in 2013 at the age of 16 in Antwerp and has since become a household name after winning a record 25 worlds medals - which includes a jaw-dropping 19 golds.
At 26, she will become not only the oldest American woman to compete at the worlds in over half a century but also the first woman to represent the U.S. at six artistic world championships when it kicks off on Saturday.
The Americans are seeking a seventh straight team title but all eyes will be on Biles to see if she can hit the same lofty heights as she returns to international competition following a two-year break from the sport to protect her mental health.
Biles made headlines at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when she withdrew from multiple events due to the 'twisties', a loss of spatial awareness in mid-air, an experience that can be terrifying for even the most experienced gymnasts.
But when she returned for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships last month, it was like she had never left as she warmed up for the worlds with a record eighth all-around national title to earn a standing ovation from the San Jose crowd.
However, Biles has not competed at the worlds since the 2019 championships in Stuttgart, where she earned five golds and had new skills named after her when she successfully landed her signature moves.
The Paris Games next year are her ultimate target but the four-times Olympic champion said she will approach her third Games a bit differently, focusing on being fully fit both
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