Simone Biles, the legendary gymnastics star, secured her eighth U.S. Championship on Sunday night, solidifying her status as one of the greatest of all time. This impressive accomplishment comes a decade after she first burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy.

Biles, now 26 years old and recently married, achieved an all-around two-day total of 118.40, finishing four points ahead of the runner-up, Shilese Jones. Leanne Wong, a junior from Florida, took third place, bolstering her chances of making a third consecutive world championship team.

Biles has virtually clinched her spot at the gym where she won her first world title in 2013. Throughout two electrifying nights at the SAP Center, she made it abundantly clear that she remains the greatest of all time in gymnastics, even after a two-year hiatus following the Tokyo Olympics.

By becoming the oldest woman to claim a national title since the event’s inception in 1963, Biles surpassed Alfred Jochim, who won seven titles between 1925-33 when the championships were governed by the Amateur Athletics Union. Remarkably, these championships included men’s competitions that featured rope climbing.

When asked about her record-breaking win, Biles humbly responded, “I don’t think about numbers. I think about my performance. Overall, I hit 8 for 8. I guess it’s a lucky number this year.”

The sport of gymnastics has evolved significantly over the past century, and Simone Biles has continually pushed the boundaries in countless ways over the past decade. While most elite gymnasts at 26 years old simply hope to maintain their skills, Biles consistently defies expectations.

Biles has never been content with repetition or ordinary achievements. She is motivated by personal goals and has opted to keep most of her training hidden from the public eye. Instead, she shares glimpses of her life outside of the gym, demonstrating a markedly different approach to her career.

“I like to keep my goals personal, just so that I know what I’m aiming for,” Biles explained. “I think it’s better that way. I’m trying to move a little bit differently this year than I have in the past. I think it’s working so far, so I’m going to keep it secretive.”

Embracing the mantra of “it’s just gymnastics,” Biles has achieved a sense of balance in her life, which is evident in her performance. Despite a minor ankle injury, she played it relatively safe by her standards on Sunday. Nevertheless, she still received the highest scores of the night on both the Cheng vault and the balance beam.

Biles now sets her sights on the upcoming World Championships in Antwerp, taking place in late September. With a current total of 25 medals, including 18 gold, she looks to expand her unparalleled career achievements even further.

Shilese Jones, the impressive 21-year-old gymnast known for excelling on the bars, is likely to join Biles at the championships. Despite her height (approximately 5 feet 6 inches), Jones delivered a flawless dismount and earned the highest score of the meet on this event, marking the end of a 10-month period plagued by injuries.

The remaining roster for the World Championships is uncertain. Reigning Olympic champion Sunisa Lee, who has faced a kidney issue throughout the year, may have an opportunity to compete as a specialist after showcasing a strong balance beam routine. Additionally, Leanne Wong’s exceptional performances and her ability to navigate both the NCAA and elite levels simultaneously make her a strong contender.

Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, Biles’ teammates from the 2020 Olympics, have also divided their time between college and elite gymnastics over the past two years. Their performances were not as sharp during the U.S. Championships, but they are expected to excel in the vault, an event where the American team is particularly strong.