Simone Biles set to return to competition for first time since Tokyo Olympics

Simone Biles is returning to competitive gymnastics.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist will compete in the U.S. Classic scheduled for Aug. 4-5 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, outside of Chicago, the organizers announced June 28.

It'll be her first sanctioned event in two years. Her last competition was the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, during which she withdrew from multiple events due to a case of "the twisties," when gymnasts lose track of where they are in the air during turns.

Biles' withdrawing reignited a global conversation about athletes, performance and mental health. At the time, Biles told TODAY's Hoda Kotb that her mental health contributed to having a case of the twisties.

“Physically, I feel good. I’m in shape,” she told Hoda. “Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming here to the Olympics and being head star isn’t an easy feat.”

Leading up to the Tokyo Olympics, all eyes were on Biles because she was the breakout star of the 2016 Rio Olympics, during which she won gold medals in the team all-around, individual all-around, horse vault and floor exercise, and one bronze on the balance beam.

The 26-year-old is the most decorated gymnast of all time, with fans and competitors alike referring to her with the "GOAT" moniker. Biles began wearing gear such as sandals and leotards with a goat bedazzled on them.

The pressure to perform was one contributing factor to her withdrawal, Biles told Hoda in an interview in October 2021, but there was also some residual trauma from former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar sexually abusing her. (She and other gymnasts testified before the Senate regarding Nassar in September 2021.)

"Over the years, after suppressing so many emotions and putting up a front on a global scene, I think really all of that came to light," she described. "My body and my mind allowed me to suppress all of that stuff for so many years for as long as it could take. As soon as we stepped onto the Olympic scene, it just decided it couldn't do it anymore and it cracked. That's what happens.

"That's why taking care of your mental well-being and your mental health is so important so that something like that doesn't happen," she said.

"I'm grateful that it wasn't somebody else and it was me because I know I'm strong enough and I can get back on my feet and I'm going to be OK with the right help."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com