Simone Biles Says She ‘Never Thought’ She Would Compete Again After 2020

After nearly two years away from international gymnastics, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles made her return in 2023, completing a very successful season highlighted by a gold medal in the all-around at the World Championships in October.

“It honestly feels amazing to return to competition, I never thought I would compete again so this is a blessing,” Biles, 26, told PEOPLE. “My favorite moment has been competing alongside my WCC teammates.”

Biles’ absence started in 2021 when she withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to a case of the “twisties,” causing much criticism.

“I’ve pushed through so much the past couple years, the word quitter is not in my vocabulary,” Biles wrote on Instagram a month after the Olympics.

“For some of you that may be how you define me, but keep talking because I can’t hear you over my 7 olympic medals, which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as most decorated American gymnast.”

Biles’ return this year showed that the seven-time medalist can still compete at the same level she did before her longterm absence.

She became the most decorated gymnast in the history of the sport when with the all-around final gold medal in October.

It was her 30th world championship medal — 24 of which are gold. Biles also and seven Olympic medals; four of which are gold also.