Berlin, 7 October 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Simone Biles has become the most decorated gymnast in history as she claimed a record-equalling sixth all-around title on Friday at the artistic gymnastics world championships in Antwerp, Belgium.

The US athlete now has a total of 34 Olympic and world championships medals, surpassing Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus (33 medals), who began his career under the old Soviet regime.

Brazil's Rebeca Andrade won silver, while Biles' team-mate Shilese Jones took bronze.

Biles' individual all-around win came two days after she led the US women’s team to an unprecedented seventh consecutive gold medal. Ten years ago, she won her first all-around title in Antwerp.

She is set to compete in the women’s vault and uneven bars finals on Saturday, before the balance beam and floor exercise finals on Sunday.

Biles returned to competition in Chicago last month after suffering from "the twisties" - a phenomenon which affects an athlete's spatial awareness - and withdrawing from five of her six finals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to focus on her mental health.

Photo: EPA