Biles had to skip an entire jump when she stumbled out of nowhere in the freestyle, the event that ended the all-around final in Antwerp, Belgium. But otherwise, it was basically a flawless finish from the American superstar, and the gold was never threatened.
Down to the Brazilian Rebeca Andrade in silver place, a clear 1,633 points separated. The bronze went to another American, Shilese Jones.
The WC gold was Simone Biles’ 21st in her career – the 20th came in Wednesday’s team competition – and the sixth in the all-around. In total, she has won 27 WC medals in artistic gymnastics over the years. She won her first gold as a 16-year-old in the same branch, in the same city, ten years ago.
With Friday’s gold, she is also the most decorated championship gymnast of all time, female or male. With 34 WC and Olympic podium places, she is the only one on the list, one medal ahead of Belarusian Vitlaji Shtjerbo, AP writes.
Biles’ return to the top of the world has been impressive. After the failure at the Tokyo Olympics two years ago, where she had to settle for a bronze individual, she withdrew from all competition to focus on her mental health.
Two months ago she made a comeback, and since then she has been the world’s best gymnast again.
On Saturday, there could be two new golds, when it’s time for the branch finals in vault and bars. Biles won the qualification in all events except bars.