As the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship drew its curtain, Simone Biles lit her victory lamp again. The US women’s team were outdoing each other now and then, strengthening their individual positions. With a total score of 167.729, the US earned the team title and Simone earned the all-around gold with 58.399. Moreover, the GOAT also established herself as the floor and balance beam champion on the last leg. On the other hand, the men are also at close quarters. The men’s team had a much celebrated Michigan-groomed gymnast, young and fierce.

Fred Richard, the 2021 and 2022 Junior Pan American Champion, etched his name in gymnastic history. Anchoring the US team to bronze in team finals and clinching a bronze for himself in all-round, Fred proved his worth. But the story of Fred and Simone is not limited to the competition arena. Though the men and the women wanted to outshine each other, they shared a great camaraderie off-stage. However, this time, they dragged their on-stage spirits in between their friendship.

Simone Biles’ biggest rival

According to the 19-year-old gymnastic great’s Instagram post, he and Simone engaged in a fun head-on battle. The former had to perform whatever the latter demonstrated, and vice versa. He captioned the video, saying, “Who won @simonebiles#gymnastics#challenge#olympics@josc_roberson for the vid creds.” The adorable video, the perfect example of sportsmanship, featured the history makers performing their signatures and the other replicating. 

First, Simone performed a clean tour jete, while Fred miserably failed at copying. Thereafter, Fred demonstrated a flare, a common move of the men gymnasts, and Simone had to perform. Unexpectedly, she tried and immediately gave up the “not too shabby” move, smiling unabashedly at the camera. While exhibiting Simone’s Popa, Fred surrendered, even though he claimed, “this should be easy.” But Simone’s Japanese handstand wowed Fred, entitling him to declare, “almost better than me.” Joscelyn Roberson, having missed out on her Worlds debut by just a fraction, witnessed the fun show behind the camera.

Watch this story: Watch: The Genesis of Historic Gymnastic Maneuver That Led Simone Biles to Glory at World Artistic Gymnastics Championship

Though Simone succumbed to defeat in this fun feat, her magnificence took the limelight at the World Artistic Gymnastic Championship.

Simone’s historic wins

The 26-year-old rebounded forcefully to earn her third gold medal of this year’s World Championships. This happened after she had a dim day by her high standards on Saturday, leading her to a silver in the vault and a sad fifth in the uneven bars. Shortly after, the 26-year-old won the floor (15.100) competition in Antwerp, Belgium, earning her second victory of the day after winning the beam competition. With that, she just added the 23rd gold medal to her bulging medal cabinet. Besides, her all-around win also deserves an applaud for the 58.399 and her back-to-back clean routines.

READ MORE: “Angel Baby in Heaven”: Simone Biles’ Sister-in-Law Offers Heartfelt Support to a Struggling Family in a Heart-Breaking Update

If the 4X Olympian could win the floor gold despite being penalized, nothing can stop her from conquering the Paris season next year. Prepping up for a hit show, Biles continues to engage in fun sessions with her fellow gymnasts.