PHOENIX — As Reese Esponda prepared for the U.S. Classic gymnastics meet on July 19, a text came in from none other than Simone Biles.
"Good luck at classics babe," Biles wrote. "Just believe in yourself. Use your power as an advantage. Controlled power is everything."
Esponda was so ill that week that she almost withdrew before the meet. She had only resumed training five weeks earlier after spending part of the spring on crutches and in a boot with a left foot ligament injury.
Still, she made Biles proud that July night. The 17-year-old Montana native surprised herself and won Classic, the biggest victory of her young career.
Classic is the primary tune-up meet for the national championships. Seven times, Biles won Classic and nationals in the same summer.
#esponda
"Good luck at classics babe," Biles wrote. "Just believe in yourself. Use your power as an advantage. Controlled power is everything."
Esponda was so ill that week that she almost withdrew before the meet. She had only resumed training five weeks earlier after spending part of the spring on crutches and in a boot with a left foot ligament injury.
Still, she made Biles proud that July night. The 17-year-old Montana native surprised herself and won Classic, the biggest victory of her young career.
Classic is the primary tune-up meet for the national championships. Seven times, Biles won Classic and nationals in the same summer.
#esponda
2 months ago
