Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history after winning 34 medals in World Gymnastics Championship competitions
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Simone Biles
Simone Biles’s legendary status keeps on soaring!Biles, 26, shared her emotional reaction to having a fifth gymnastics skill named after her in an Instagram post on Friday, after becoming the most decorated gymnast of all time at the World Gymnastics Championships last week.
“World championships!!!!! Whew Antwerp will always hold a special place in my heart,” Biles captioned as she posted a series of photos from her time at the championships. “The first time I got a skill named after me was in this arena & 10 years later I got my 5th skill named….”
She continued, “I’m speechless. I’m honored. I’m excited and I’m blessed! Doing it for the little girl who fell in love with the sport!!!!!”
The gymnast received a fifth skill named after her when the National Governing Board of Gymnastics announced earlier this month that, after Biles became the first woman to successfully perform the Yurchenko double pike during the championships, the skill would be named “Biles II.”
CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA/Shutterstock
Biles shared her reaction to having a fifth skill named after her on Friday
Related: Simone Biles Talks Mental Health Journey, Shares Thanks for ‘Encouragement, Love and Belief in Me’
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love & support 🖤,” Biles finished her post.
In the first photo from her post Biles was captured in tears on the podium after receiving her gold medal during the Women’s All-Round final in the championships in Antwerp on Oct. 6. The champion gymnast smiled in a following photo taken during her winning floor routine.
Other pictures showed Biles celebrating her win at the Women’s Individual All-Round final following her floor routine. WCC coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi was also captured embracing Biles as the pair smiled after the gymnast’s balance beam routine on Oct. 8.
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Biles is now the most decorated gymnast in history with 34 medals
Related: Simone Biles Was ‘Emotional’ After Winning World Championship, Becomes Most Decorated Gymnast of All-Time
In a final photo, Biles flashed a huge smile as she held up her gold medal at the podium at the championships.
According to ABC News, skills must be completed in an international competition to be named after a gymnast. The other skills named after Biles are on the floor, vault, and beam.
AP Photo/Virginia Mayo
It was announced that Biles would have a fifth skill named her earlier this month
“My idol,” Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee wrote in the comments section of Biles’ latest post. “The best to ever do it! it’s been a blessing to watch you thrive,” gymnast Jordan Bowers also responded.
“Incredible ❤️ That 5th skill 🤩,” gymnast Leanne Wong wrote.
Biles is now the most awarded gymnast in the sport’s history after winning 34 medals across World Championships and Olympics — including her sixth all-round championship gold at the recent championships in Antwerp. The sports icon had previously been tied with Belarus gymnast Vitaly Scherbo, who competed in the 1990s.
On Wednesday, Biles thanked her loved ones and fans for their support following her history-making time in Antwerp.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to fans, friends, family & partnerships who have been unwavering pillars of support throughout my mental health journey,” Biles wrote on her Instagram.
“Your encouragement, love and belief in me have been instrumental in my success and recovery.”
