Surprise! Houston Star Gymnast Simone Biles Is Returning to Competition. Is Paris ’24 Next?
Jun. 28, 2023
IN SHOCKING SPORTS news, Simone Biles is back in action!
Multiple news outlets have reported that Houston’s Biles — the gymnastics superstar, whose expected dominance of the 2021 games in Tokyo did not materialize, as she chose not to compete in some events due to mental health concerns — is returning to elite competition.
Biles “is part of the women's field for the single-day event set for Aug. 5” in Estates, Ill., per ESPN.
The seven-time Olympic medalist and 2016 Olympic champ hasn’t formally competed since the events in Japan. The unexpected return has already spurred widespread speculation that Biles will seek to compete in next year’s summer games in Paris.
Biles herself has not commented. Her most recent Instagram posts refer to her marriage to former Houston Texans football player Jonathan Owens in Cabo early last month. She and Jones, who was just traded to the Green Bay Packers, are currently building a new house together in Spring. She's chronicled much of this on her popular 'Gram page; see below.
Among a career of accolades and accomplishments, Biles is currently ranked No. 4 in CityBook’s “Cool 100” list of the coolest people in Houston. Two other athletes are in the top four: Astros slugger Jeremy Peña at No. 3 and, at No. 1, Jordan Santana, the 20-year-old skateboard phenom who’s already stated her desire to compete on Team USA next summer in France.
Biles, 26, is the most decorated American gymnast ever.
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HOUSTON’S FOURTH OF July celebration, Shell Freedom Over Texas, is an annual patriotic tradition, with great food, plenty of family-friendly activities, live music performances by local and national superstars, and an awesome fireworks display.
“Shell Freedom Over Texas is Houston’s hallmark civic event,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner in a statement. “It is a true pleasure to welcome our sponsors and to celebrate the birth of our nation. We will be paying tribute to the men and women who have made great sacrifices to ensure our freedoms.”
Yola
Beginning at 4pm, there will be plenty of activities to enjoy before the music gets rolling, including the Bud Light Bayou Bash, a sunny area with a great view of the main stage with for lawn games for everyone; DICK’s Sporting Goods All-American Kids Zone, a children’s entertainment area with games, rides, and more; Liberty Park, which pays tribute to all branches of the military with a display of military vehicles and an exclusive Space City Experience provided by NASA; and the Dr Pepper Flavor Zone, where there will be dancing, Dr Pepper floats, and a live performance by Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws. (Expect to sing along in both English and Creole French!)
Over at the Shell Main Stage, multi-platinum recording artist and Grand Ole Opry member Chris Young will treat Houston fans to a set of his Hot Country hits, including two back-to-back number ones: “Losing Sleep” and “Sober Saturday Night.” Special guests include six-time Grammy Nominee and American Music Award winner Yola, who recently made her acting debut as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrman’s biopic Elvis; the Houston-based Keeshea Pratt Band, who play a very Southern blend of blues, gospel, rock and country and feature a four-piece horn section; and the soul, R&B, and funk ensemble TMF (“the music forever”) Formerly of Maze, who carry on the legacy of the legendary Philadelphia-soul man Frankie Beverly and now features Houstonian Chris Walker on lead vocals.
Shell Freedom Over Texas takes place July 4, 4pm-10pm at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway). Tickets are available online and at the gates.
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