Biles stepped up to the vault, launched high into the air, twisting in angular blue blur, and landed with just a single backwards step to make history.
That feat ensured the skill will now be named the Biles II in honor of the 19-time world champion, making it her fifth named element.
Biles was competing in her first event on the world stage since the Tokyo Olympics.
And by competing in Antwerp, Biles became the first woman to represent the US at six artistic world championships.
Meanwhile, the US men’s gymnastics team secured its spot in the team competition at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris by qualifying for the team final in second place behind Japan.
Persons:
CNN — Simone Biles, Biles, Matthias Hangst, Shilese Jones
Organizations:
CNN
Locations:
Tokyo, Antwerp, Paris, Japan