By David K. Li — NBC News
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles will compete this summer for the first time in nearly two years, officials announced Wednesday.
U.S. Classic organizers announced that the four-time gold medalist will compete in the event Aug. 4 and 5 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
It will be his first competition since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, when he drew global attention to athletes' mental health issues.
Simone Biles competes at the Tokyo Olympics, July 27, 2021.Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images file
Biles was one of the most prominent stars of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where she hung the gold medal in the team full jump, individual full jump, jump and floor events, in addition to hanging the bronze on the balance beam.
It became the focus of attention ahead of the Tokyo Games, which were held late.
Biles stunned the gymnastics world when she withdrew from the team final, claiming that her withdrawal was due to the emotional toll of the Tokyo Games and not a physical injury.
"Physically, I feel good. I'm fit," he told Hoda Kotb on NBC News' Today show after his departure. "Emotionally, it varies depending on the time and time. Getting to the Olympics and being the main star is no easy feat."
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Later, he explained to NBC News' Andrea Joyce that his struggle was "more mental," "We're dealing with a couple of things internally," he claimed.
Without Biles, the Americans took team silver. Biles returned to action in Tokyo to win bronze on the bar.
Shortly after Tokyo, Biles gave tearful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, sharing her story of being sexually abused by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
He bluntly asserted that USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee "didn't do their job."
"I don't want another young gymnast, or Olympic athlete, or any individual to experience the horror that I and hundreds of others have endured before, during and continuing to this day in the wake of Larry Nassar's abuses," an emotional Biles told lawmakers, her voice choked with emotion.
Since Biles last competed, she married Green Bay Packers defensive back Jonathan Owens in a ceremony held earlier this year.
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When Biles takes the stage in suburban Chicago in just over six weeks, she will be joined by compatriots Sunisa Lee, who won gold in the all-around individual competition in Tokyo, and Jade Carey, a gold medalist in floor exercise two years ago.
"It's exciting to think about the level of talent and historical legacy of the athletes who will compete in the U.S. Classic," said Stefanie Korepin, Director of Programs for USA Gymnastics. "Every athlete is in a different place in their season and career, and we will support each of them, wherever they are on their journey."