Simone Biles has made history once again. On Sunday (June 6), the five-time World all-around champion claimed her seventh U.S. title while competing at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships at the Dickies Arena in Ft. Worth, Texas. Biles is now the first woman ever to win seven U.S. all-around titles.
Prior to the feat, Biles was tied with Clara Schroth-Lomady, who won six national all-around titles in 1945 and 1949. Olympian Alfred Jochim is the only other American gymnast to have won seven U.S. titles.
Biles reacted to her wins after the championships.
“I feel like I did try to enjoy it because it could be one of my last championships that I’ll attend,” Biles said, per Olympics.com. “But it’s also the road to Tokyo and after this we have trials, so we just have to really embrace the moment.”
“I feel like every single championship stands out for a different reason, but this one stands out specifically because it’s the road to Tokyo,” she added. “We came out here and we did what we were supposed to.”
The outlet writes that Biles is on track to break even more records at the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics, which kicks off in Tokyo next month. She reportedly needs four medals at the Olympic Games to become the most decorated gymnast at both the Olympic Games and worlds, surpassing gymnast Vitaly Scherbo. Biles is already ranked as the most decorated gymnast, male or female, at the World Championships.
Earlier this year REVOLT, reported that Biles left her endorsement deal with Nike and instead partnered with Athleta, a women’s activewear brand owned by Gap that she said more closely aligned with her values.
“I felt like it wasn’t just about my achievements; it’s what I stood for and how they were going to help me use my voice and also be a voice for females and kids,” she said at the time. “I feel like they also support me, not just as an athlete, but just as an individual outside of the gym and the change that I want to create, which is so refreshing.”