Simone Biles Poised for Third Olympics, Who Are the Rising Stars in US Gymnastics?
Simone Biles and other gymnasts compete for spots on the U.S. Olympic team in Minneapolis; 20 men and 16 women vie for berths.
This weekend, the U.S. Olympic team trials in Minneapolis will determine the gymnasts who will represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games. While Simone Biles appears to secure her spot, there are several other gymnasts vying for the chance to compete on the Olympic stage.
Selection Process US Olympic team
The top all-around finisher after two days of competition will secure an automatic spot on the five-member women's Olympic team. The remaining four spots will be determined by a selection committee, taking into account the results from trials and previous competitions. Additionally, four alternates will be named in Minneapolis, with two potentially traveling to Paris to train with the team.
Assembling the U.S. team focuses on the Team Final competition, where three gymnasts compete on each apparatus and all three scores count. The selection committee's task is akin to assembling a puzzle, aiming to maximize Team USA's score in the competition.
Men's Team Contenders
On the men’s side, 20 candidates will compete for a spot on the team. Notable contenders include national all-around champion Brody Malone, world all-around bronze medalist Fred Richard, Khoi Young, Yul Moldauer, Asher Hong, Donnell Whittenburg, and Shane Wiskus.
16 female gymnasts are in contention for the Paris Olympic team, with several frontrunners leading the way.
Frontrunners
- Simone Biles: Reigning world all-around champion and 37-time world and Olympic medalist, expected to secure her spot in Paris.
- Shilese Jones: A six-time world medalist, her status is uncertain due to a shoulder injury but is a strong contender if she performs well at the trials.
- Skye Blakely: A member of the gold medal-winning teams at the 2022 and 2023 world championships, her participation depends on her recovery from a recent injury sustained during training.
- Suni Lee: The reigning Olympic all-around champion, focusing on her balance beam and uneven bars routines.
Other Major Contenders
- Jordan Chiles: A balanced all-around competitor, aiming for a spot on the team with a strong performance across all apparatuses.
- Jade Carey: The reigning Olympic champion on floor, hoping to secure her second Olympic team slot with her strong floor and vault performances.
- Kayla DiCello: Back for another shot at her Olympic dream after being named an alternate for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
- Leanne Wong: Looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance at Championships and potentially secure a spot with her upgraded routines.
Potential Dark Horses
- Joscelyn Roberson: A “power gymnast” known for her floor and vault routines, aiming to stand out among strong competition.
- Kaliya Lincoln: Filing a petition to compete, with a strong focus on the floor exercise, an area where Team USA currently lacks strength.
- Hezly Rivera: Surprising many with her performance at Championships, she could be a wildcard pick for the team if top contenders face consistency issues.
- Tiana Sumanasekera: A promising 16-year-old with strong performances at Championships, likely to secure an alternate spot.
The trials will showcase the talents and determination of these gymnasts, ultimately shaping the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team for the 2024 Paris Games.
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