Simone Biles experienced a truly remarkable full-circle moment in Antwerp, Belgium. Returning to the Sportpaleis after a decade, the very arena where she clinched her maiden All-Around World title, she found herself in an almost surreal déjà vu. However, much has changed since her last visit in 2013. Biles returned to the stage of the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships as a living legend, with an impressive collection of five World All-around titles to her name, and she would leave as the most decorated gymnast of all time, boasting an astonishing tally of 34 medals.

On a remarkable winning streak, she not only helped Team USA secure their 7th consecutive world title but also exceeded expectations by claiming her sixth all-around world title. She added a silver medal in the vault finals and a gold in the balance beam finals to her already impressive collection. On the final day of the world championships, she clinched yet another gold. In the audience were two familiar faces, her parents, her most ardent supporters since 2013, who were once again cheering her on with wholesome enthusiasm.

Simone Biles takes her fourth gold in the 2023 World Championships

In the floor exercise finals, Simone Biles, the titan of gymnastics, secured another gold with a score of 14.633. This remarkable achievement marked her sixth World Championship Title on the floor, making her the only gymnast to achieve such a feat. 

Rebeca Andrade of Brazil took home the silver medal and Flavia Saraiva also of Brazil took home the bronze medal. For Biles, however, one thing remained unchanged between 2013 and 2023—the presence of two special people in the crowd who had traveled all the way from Houston, Texas, to celebrate their superstar.

Biles’ parents in Antwerp despite surgery

The two individuals were none other than Simone Biles’ parents, Nellie Biles and Ronald Biles. Her parents made it to Antwerp despite Ron Biles II, Simone’s brother going through a hip replacement surgery back home. As Simone concluded her flawless floor routine, the camera captured two proud and beaming faces in the audience—her parents.

Nellie Biles was seen with joined hands, praying for her legendary daughter, a smile of immense pride illuminating her face. In a previous interview with FIG on Instagram, Biles mentioned that in 2013, her mom had gifted her diamond earrings after she had won her first title. 

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