The 2024 Core Hydration Classic marks the return of gymnastics phenom Simone Biles in her third Olympic cycle, alongside fellow Olympic champions Suni Lee and Gabby Douglas. This star-studded event in Hartford features 13 Olympic, World Championships, and Pan American Games medalists, including the past three women’s Olympic all-around champions.
Serving as a critical stepping stone for gymnasts aiming to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, the Classic kicks off the Olympic Team qualifying process. Among the 50 senior elite athletes entered, who collectively boast 88 medals from major international competitions, let’s highlight some standout names and their potential to qualify for the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships.
Simone Biles:
has been an unstoppable force at the U.S. Classic, claiming victory in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023. In 2023, she once again showcased her unmatched skill and determination, securing first place in the senior women’s category with a total score of 59.100.
Her performance wasn’t just about winning; it was a display of dominance and resilience, reminding us all why she’s considered one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time. The anticipation among fans for her 2024 season debut at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic thus speaks for itself.
Gabby Douglas:
Gabby Douglas, representing Anna, Texas, and WOGA Gymnastics, made a remarkable return to gymnastics after an eight-year hiatus. She competed for the first time since her break at the American Classic. Despite a few faults, the 28-year-old also demonstrated promise, posting a score of 50.65 in the all-around and qualifying for multiple events at the US Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
She will have another opportunity to qualify for the all-around competition at nationals when she competes at the US Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 18. Douglas was slated to compete at the Winter Cup in February but withdrew days before the event due to testing positive for COVID-19. Despite these challenges, Douglas continues her journey towards the 2024 Core Hydration Classic, with Paris as her aim.
Suni Lee:
Sunisa Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around champion, has faced a tumultuous yet resilient journey towards the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. Last year, Lee competed at the 2023 Core Hydration Classic, placing 29th in the all-around with a score of 28.000, having participated only in the vault and balance beam. Her struggles continued at the 2023 U.S. Championships, where she finished last overall. Battling a severe kidney issue, Lee’s primary focus shifted to her health and recovery.
Despite these challenges, her participation in the U.S. Championships was significant, culminating in a bronze medal on the beam with a two-day score of 27.850. In 2024, Lee sought to reclaim her place at the 2024 Paris Games. At the Winter Cup in Louisville, Lee faced further difficulties, falling during an innovative bars element and a simplified beam routine, resulting in an all-around score of 24.700.
Nevertheless, Lee’s perseverance shone through at the American Classic on April 27 in Katy, Texas. She posted the highest score of the competition on the balance beam, winning the title with a score of 14.300, a performance she could still improve upon. Additionally, she executed a clean, full-twisting Yurchenko vault, scoring 13.250. These scores enabled her to qualify for nationals in the two events she competed in, leaving her with the opportunity to still qualify for the all-around at the upcoming Core Hydration Classic, like Gabby Douglas. Could her perseverance earn her a qualification to the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships?
Jade Carey:
Jade Carey, the six-time world medalist, has had quite the journey leading up to the Core Hydration Classic 2024. After a disappointing 2023 season where she finished 15th in the all-around at the U.S. championships, Carey decided to make some changes. Following the 2023 season, Carey adjusted her training and competition plans for her collegiate season allowing her to better focus on her ultimate goal: the Paris 2024 Olympics.
At the 2024 American Classic, Carey showcased her skills once again. She claimed the all-around title with a total score of 55.000, securing the top spot. Her individual event scores were impressive: 14.200 on vault, 13.400 on uneven bars, 13.650 on balance beam, and 13.750 on floor exercise. Notably, she was the highest scorer on vault and floor and second on beam. Carey’s journey to the Core Hydration Classic 2024 shows her determination and ability to learn from and grow from past disappointments. She’s one to watch out for ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Jordan Chiles:
Jordan Chiles, representing the World Champions Center, had an eventful journey leading up to the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. In the 2023 gymnastics season, Chiles had her ups and downs. At the 2023 Core Hydration Classic, she finished in the 30th spot and at the 2023 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in San Jose, California, Jordan Chiles performed exceptionally well, finishing in 5th place in the All-Around competition.
At the 2024 American Classic, Carey showcased her skills once again. She claimed the all-around title with a total score of 55.000, securing the top spot. Her individual event scores were impressive: 14.200 on vault, 13.400 on uneven bars, 13.650 on balance beam, and 13.750 on floor exercise. Notably, she was the highest scorer on vault and floor and second on beam. Carey’s journey to the Core Hydration Classic 2024 shows her determination and ability to learn from and grow from past disappointments. She’s one to watch out for ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Jordan Chiles:
Jordan Chiles, representing the World Champions Center, had an eventful journey leading up to the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. In the 2023 gymnastics season, Chiles had her ups and downs. At the 2023 Core Hydration Classic, she finished in the 30th spot and at the 2023 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in San Jose, California, Jordan Chiles performed exceptionally well, finishing in 5th place in the All-Around competition.
Despite not being able to qualify for the World Championships, she made the roster for the 2023 Pan American Games held in Santiago. At the Pan American Games, Jordan showcased her talent by securing a gold medal with her team, a silver medal on vault, and a bronze medal in the all-around competition. Now, as she heads into the 2024 Core Hydration Classic, Chiles is undoubtedly focused and determined to continue her success in the sport.
Kayla DiCello:
Kayla DiCello, representing Boyds, Md., and training at Hill’s Gymnastics, has emerged as a rising star in the world of gymnastics. In 2023, she showcased her talent on both the national and international stages. DiCello played a crucial role as an alternate for the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.
Her consistent performances continued into 2024, where she dominated the Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, winning the all-around, uneven bars, and floor exercise titles and securing a bronze medal on the balance beam, solidifying her position as one of the top gymnasts in the United States and a strong contender aiming for the Paris Olympics.
Dulcy Caylor:
Dulcy Caylor’s journey into the senior level of gymnastics was not without its challenges. As a young athlete, the transition proved to be difficult, particularly during the 2023 US championships, where her performances fell short of expectations, leading to her exclusion from the world selection camp. However, rather than letting this setback define her, Caylor sought guidance from WCC coach, Cécile Landi, to understand where she could improve. In 2024, she began to make her presence felt on the national and international stage.
On the national front, Caylor demonstrated her skill and consistency at the 2024 Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, finishing fifth in the all-around and placing seventh in both the uneven bars and balance beam. In her international representation on Team USA at the DTB Pokal Mixed Cup in Stuttgart, Germany, she was part of the first-place team and earned a gold medal in vault.
Earlier in the year, she also competed at the Jesolo Trophy in Italy, where she helped her team secure a third-place finish and also achieved top-ten individual placements in the all-around, uneven bars, and balance beam. Her performances reflect her potential to become a force to be reckoned with as she aims to join her WCC mentors Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, and others on their journey in the Olympic year.
Shilese Jones:
In 2023, Shilese Jones, hailing from Auburn, Wash., and training at Ascend Gymnastics Center, emerged as a worthy challenger alongside the legendary Simone Biles. With impressive performances, Jones secured the U.S. uneven bars title, claimed silver in the all-around, and added bronze medals in floor exercise and balance beam at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships.
Her talent was further showcased on the international stage at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp. She contributed significantly to the team’s gold medal victory, and also earned individual bronze medals in the all-around and uneven bars. As the 2024 Olympic year begins for her at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic, the question arises: Could Jones continue to provide the same level of contention for Biles, pushing her to even greater heights?
Joscelyn Roberson:
Joscelyn Roberson of the WCC has a stellar track record that includes numerous triumphs on both the national and international stages. In 2023 alone, she secured multiple victories, including being crowned U.S. vault champion and winning the vault title at the Winter Cup, along with silver medals in balance beam and floor exercise. Internationally she secured gold at the World Championships and her podium finishes at events like the Senior Pan American Championships, Cairo World Cup, and DTB Pokal Team Challenge.
However, in 2023, at the World Championships, during the warmup for the women’s team final, a misstep on her Cheng vault forced her to withdraw from the event. She returned to competition after a limited recovery from her injury, showcasing her strength on bars and beam at the 2024 American Classic, albeit with some mistakes. But her performances, scoring 12.650 on bars and 12.450 on beam, demonstrated her determination to regain full strength. As anticipation builds for the 2024 Core Hydration Classic, the question arises: Can Roberson once again rise to Olympic standards and deliver standout performances?
Leanne Wong:
Leanne Wong’s journey from 2023 to 2024 has been nothing short of impressive, marking her as a formidable contender poised to make her mark in the elite gymnastics scene. In 2023, she showcased her talent on both national and international stages, contributing to the U.S. team’s victory at the World Championships and earning a bronze medal in the all-around at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, where she scored 56.800 points.
Wong’s success continued into her collegiate career at the University of Florida, where she played a pivotal role in securing titles such as the NCAA uneven bars champion, and silver medals in the all-around and vault in 2024, respectively. Now, as she sets her sights on the elite 2024 season and eyes a spot at the Olympics, Wong’s blazing performance in the 2024 NCAA season positions her as one to watch. With her exceptional skills and proven track record, she is poised to make a splash at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic and the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships.
Trinity Thomas:
Trinity Thomas has consistently proven herself as a standout gymnast, with her journey from 2023 to 2024 marked by notable achievements and unwavering dedication. In 2023, she continued to shine both nationally and collegiately, contributing to the success of the University of Florida’s gymnastics team. As she transitioned into 2024, Thomas maintained her momentum, securing a silver medal on the uneven bars at the Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky.
Her flawless routine earned her an impressive score, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable competitor. Additionally, Thomas displayed her versatility by finishing fourth in the all-around, showcasing her proficiency across multiple disciplines. Just like the 2024 Winter Cup, she might just surprise fans at the 2024 Core Hydration with her talent.
Tiana Sumanasekera:
Tiana Sumanasekera’s journey leading up to the 2024 Core Hydration Classic has been marked by steady progress and notable achievements. In 2023, representing the World Champions Centre under the guidance of head coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi, she showcased her talent both nationally and internationally. Transitioning into 2024, she represented her country at the Jesolo Trophy, where she contributed to a third-place team finish and placed sixth in floor exercise and eighth in the all-around.
Under the tutelage of the same coaches who have guided Simone Biles to greatness, Sumanasekera’s trajectory is promising. With her dedication and skill, the question arises: will she be able to join her WCC phenom counterpart at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships?
Hezly Rivera:
Hezly Rivera’s journey from her junior years to competing against Olympians has been nothing short of remarkable. As a junior competitor in 2023, representing WOGA Gymnastics, Rivera made her mark with impressive performances at national competitions like the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships and the Winter Cup.
Transitioning into the senior level in 2024, Rivera continued to excel, competing alongside seasoned Olympians at prestigious events like the Winter Cup and the Jesolo Trophy. At the Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, she displayed her prowess by claiming the balance beam title and securing bronze medals in the all-around and floor exercise. Now, as Rivera gears up for the 2024 Core Hydration Classic, her journey as a junior standout has prepared her well for the challenges ahead to reach her Olympic potential.
Addison Fatta:
Addison Fatta’s journey from 2023 to 2024 has been characterized by consistent performances and notable achievements, showcasing her talent and potential on both national and international stages. As Fatta transitions into 2024, her performances continue to impress. At the American Classic in Katy, Texas, she secured second place on the uneven bars with a score of 13.900.
Her success carried over to the Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, where she finished fourth on the uneven bars and sixth in the all-around, with scores of 13.750 and 53.600, respectively. Her strong showing at both national and international competitions positions her as a bright prospect for the 2024 Core Hydration Classic.
Katelyn Jong:
On Team USA’s gymnastics roster, Katelyn Jong, representing Metroplex Gymnastics, has set off on a journey marked by consistent dedication and notable achievements. Throughout 2023, Jong made her presence felt at both national and international competitions. As Jong transitions into 2024, her trajectory remains promising.
At the Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, she displayed her talent on the uneven bars, securing the bronze medal with a commendable performance. Her success at both national and international levels positions her as a strong contender for the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. With a roster boasting such remarkable talent, the anticipation surrounding the 2024 Core Hydration Classic is palpable. Among the 50 senior women registered, each name represents a story of dedication, resilience, and sheer excellence.
