Simone Biles becomes most decorated gymnast of all time with sixth all-around world title

Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history after sealing her sixth career world all-around title at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp.

The tournament marks the American's return to major international competition after a two-year absence, and on Wednesday she led her team to a record seventh straight title.

Biles’ golden comeback continued in record-breaking style as she finished with a top score of 58.399, 1.633 points above Brazilian silver medallist Rebeca Andrade with compatriot Shilese Jones rounding out the top three.

Friday’s medal was Biles’ 34th at an Olympics or World Championship, the most achieved by a male or female gymnast in the history of the sport after surpassing the 33 achieved by Belarusian Vitaly Scherbo.

In a serendipitous twist, the 26-year-old’s historic gold came precisely 10 years – and in the exact same venue – as her first world all-around title in 2013.

The American won the first of her five world all-around titles at the age of 16 a decade ago in Antwerp, making this stage her return to international competition after a two-year hiatus from the sport to protect her mental health.

Biles could still add more medals to her collection with the individual apparatus finals still to come on Saturday and Sunday – Biles has qualified for all four.

Watch the World Gymnastics Championships on Friday (6.15pm) and Saturday (12.45pm) on RTÉ Player. Rhys McClenaghan's Pommel Horse final will be live on the RTÉ News Channel on Saturday from 2.50pm. Watch all of the World Gymnastics Championships on AllGymnastics.tv