The Journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics: A New Beginning for Female US Gymnasts
The countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics is well underway, and for some of the most accomplished female gymnasts in US history, including Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Sunisa Lee, the first major step towards qualifying for the Summer Games begins this weekend at the Core Hydration Classic in Hartford, Connecticut.
This historic competition marks the first time that three Olympic all-around champions will take to the mat together. Douglas and Lee, who won gold for Team USA in 2012 and 2021 respectively, will join Biles as they embark on their quest to qualify for Paris 2024.
A Triumphant Past and Challenging Present
The last time the three women competed against one another was at the national championships in 2013. Biles emerged as the victor, Douglas finished fourth, and Lee placed 10th in the juniors. Since then, all three have achieved remarkable success but have also encountered personal challenges that add an element of comeback to their Olympic aspirations.
Simone Biles: The Undisputed Star
Biles, who experienced a mental block known as the “twisties” during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and had to withdraw from several events, is now focused on adding to her impressive collection of seven Olympic medals. She returned to gymnastics last year after taking an extended break and made a triumphant comeback by winning four gold medals, as well as a silver, at the world championships.
Gabby Douglas: Back in the Saddle
Douglas, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, will be making just her second competitive appearance since the 2016 Rio Olympics. She was inspired to return after watching the US national championships in 2022 and is thrilled to be back in the sport she loves.
Sunisa Lee: Overcoming Adversity
Lee, who won Olympic gold in 2021, has had her own battles to face. Kidney disease threatened her gymnastics career but was able to receive treatment and manage the condition, allowing her to set her sights on Paris.
An Inspiring Field
Joining Biles, Douglas, and Lee in the competition are 13 other medalists from the Olympics, World Championships, or Pan American Games. This impressive lineup includes Jade Carey, the Tokyo Olympic floor champion, and six-time world championship medalist Shilese Jones.
Competing for a Spot: The Road to Qualification
Biles, Douglas, and Lee will each compete in the second session of the senior women’s competition on Saturday, May 18. The top performers from this session, as well as those from the first session, will move on to the national championships in June where they’ll have one final opportunity to secure a spot in the Olympic Trials.
Watch it Live
Fans can watch the first senior session live on the USA Gymnastics YouTube channel. The second session, featuring Biles, Douglas, Lee, and other accomplished gymnasts, will be broadcast live on CNBC and Peacock, with an NBC recap show airing on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. ET.
