Perfect 10 as Biles makes gymnastics history

At her first Olympics, Biles will bid to topple teammate Gabby "Flying Squirrel" Douglas, the reigning all-around Olympic champion, who took two years off after the London Games and returned to take silver behind Biles in Glasgow.

"Three years ago I would have thought they were absolutely crazy and wouldn't have believed it," said Biles, when asked if she was now favourite for the Olympic gold.

It was the second straight worlds in which Biles has won gold in the four events since making her senior debut in March 2013.

Biles also became the first woman since Khorkina in 2003 to win three all-around titles and the first to win three in a row after Antwerp in 2013 and Nanning in 2014.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," said the tiny star with the infectious giggle. "It was one event to the next so I had to run back (after beam) and warm up.

"Everything happened so quickly. It was pretty laid back because floor isn't that hard for me to warm up quickly.

"Other than that, to switch gears that quickly is something we're trained to do, so it was OK."

On the beam she proved solid after a wobbly performance in the all-around final, landing solidly with a double somersault to win by a 1.025 margin ahead of Sanne Wevers of the Netherlands.

Next up the floor, where Biles' superior difficulty meant that once she had cleanly performed her rivals had no chance.

Russia's Ksenia Afanasyeva, the 2011 champion, was the only gymnast who came close, finishing 0.700 behind, while American Maggie Nichols took bronze.

"Simone did amazing as she always does. It is amazing watching her, cheering her on and her being my best friend, I'm so proud of her and of everything she has accomplished," said Nichols.

Source: AFP