Biles Qualifies for Third Olympics

Simone Biles has secured her spot for a third Olympic Games, leading the U.S. women’s gymnastics team for Paris 2024. Alongside her, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera will represent the U.S.

 

The team was chosen at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials in Minneapolis after two days of intense competition. This squad, with four returning Tokyo Olympians, is the oldest and most decorated U.S. Olympic women's gymnastics team in history.

 

At 27, Biles will be the oldest female American gymnast to compete in the Olympics in 72 years. She earned her spot by finishing first in the all-around competition, with Lee and Chiles closely following. Despite a challenging balance beam routine that saw falls from all three top finishers, Biles credited her mental readiness for her success.

 

Hezly Rivera, the youngest member at 16, displayed remarkable composure, especially on the balance beam, securing her position on the team. Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong were named as alternates, with Wong also serving as an alternate for the Tokyo Games.

 

Team's Redemption in Paris

The team's journey to Paris is seen as a "redemption tour" following their Tokyo performances, where they secured silver, while the Russian Olympic Committee took gold. Biles, dealing with the "twisties," withdrew from most event finals in Tokyo but is determined to prove herself in Paris.

 

Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around champion, showcased a new routine on the uneven bars, connecting challenging release moves flawlessly. Chiles, after a fall on the beam, redeemed herself with a dynamic floor routine set to Beyoncé’s music. Carey, the Olympic gold medalist on floor, ended the trials with a high-energy performance, finishing second only to Biles.

 

Alicia Sacramone Quinn, head of the selection committee, praised Rivera’s potential, seeing her as a future star for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Despite some mistakes at the trials, Quinn expressed confidence in the team, noting that errors are better addressed now than in Paris.

 

The 2024 U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team is prepared to make history in Paris, carrying the hopes of redemption and a quest for gold. Stream every moment and medal of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Peacock, starting with the Opening Ceremony on July 26.