Paris 2024 Olympics
Simone Biles qualifies for a third Olympics after dominating US Olympic Gymnastics Trials
She led the all-around competition from start to finish
Minneapolis, MN – Simone Biles, the reigning world champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, has secured her place on the U.S. women's gymnastics team for the 2024 Paris Olympics after an outstanding performance at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials held at the Target Center in Minneapolis. This achievement marks Biles' third consecutive Olympic qualification, making her the fourth American woman gymnast to compete in three Olympic Games.
Biles' journey to Paris was nothing short of spectacular. She led the all-around competition from start to finish, concluding with a total score of 117.225, a full 5.550 points ahead of her nearest competitor, Suni Lee. Biles' performance was highlighted by her execution of the Yurchenko double pike vault, a move so challenging that it has been named after her. She scored an impressive 15.500 on the vault, followed by a consistent 14.200 on the uneven bars. Despite a minor misstep on the balance beam, which resulted in a score of 13.900, Biles dazzled the audience with a flawless floor routine, earning a score of 14.725 and a standing ovation from the crowd, including her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.
Reflecting on her performance, Biles expressed a mix of relief and joy. "Oh my God," she exclaimed, sitting atop the stairs on the podium after her final routine. Her teammate Jordan Chiles was the first to congratulate her, underscoring the camaraderie and shared journey of the U.S. gymnastics team.
The road to Paris was not without its challenges. Injuries to key contenders Shilese Jones, Kayla DiCello, and Skye Blakely reshaped the competition landscape. Jones and DiCello both suffered ruptured Achilles tendons, while Blakely sustained a knee injury during vault warmups. These setbacks opened the door for other gymnasts to step up, including Hezly Rivera, who earned the final spot on the team after a tight competition with Joscelyn Roberson.
Joining Biles on the U.S. women's gymnastics team are Olympic champions Suni Lee and Jade Carey, along with Jordan Chiles and newcomer Hezly Rivera. Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around champion, finished second in the trials with a score of 111.675, while Carey, the Tokyo Olympic floor champion, secured the fourth spot in the all-around standings.
Biles' qualification for the Paris Olympics is a testament to her resilience and dedication. After a challenging experience at the Tokyo Games, where she withdrew from multiple events due to "the twisties" – a mental block causing gymnasts to lose track of their body positions – Biles took a break from competitive gymnastics to focus on her mental health. She made a triumphant return last year, winning her ninth U.S. Championships title and becoming the most decorated gymnast in history at the world championships.
Biles' journey to the 2024 Olympics is not just about athletic prowess; it also reflects her personal growth and commitment to mental health. She has been open about the importance of therapy in her routine, emphasizing that prioritizing her well-being has been crucial to her success.
As the U.S. women's gymnastics team prepares for the Paris Olympics, they aim to reclaim the top podium spot in the absence of Russia. The team's composition, featuring a mix of experienced Olympians and promising newcomers, positions them well for success. Biles, with her unparalleled talent and experience, will undoubtedly be a key figure in their quest for gold.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to commence on July 26 and run through August 11, with the women's team final scheduled for July 30, followed by the all-around final on August 1. As Biles and her teammates gear up for the Games, the world will be watching, eager to see if they can continue their legacy of excellence on the global stage.