Simone Biles always makes a statement on the gymnastics floor, not just with her incredible moves but also with her stunning leotards. One standout moment was her collaboration with GK Elite at the 2023 US Xfinity Gymnastics Championships, where she dazzled in the “But Still I Rise” leotard. Biles and GK Elite have enjoyed a fruitful partnership since 2015, producing numerous themed projects and limited-edition collections throughout the seasons.

Following in Biles’ footsteps, other top gymnasts like Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey have also teamed up with GK Elite. Another notable collaborator is the 2017 United States national all-around champion, who, despite her success and partnership with the brand, has resorted to a unique way of making money: selling her leotards. This has sparked concern among fans about her financial situation.

In a post on X, it was shared that Ragan Smith has “upped her prices, folks.” Smith, a five-time member of the United States team and competitor at the 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, was also part of the gold-winning US National Team at the 2018 World Championships and an alternate for the 2016 Olympic team. Recently, she has been selling her leotards on Facebook, promoting the sales through her Instagram stories.

Smith, who has also partnered with GK Elite and was part of their #IAmExtraordinary collection last year, sold her red leotard from the 2017 World Championships in Montreal for a staggering $700. While no reasons have been given for why she is selling her old leotards, fans have been left concerned and confused by her decision.

The Gymternet on X was taken by surprise by Ragan Smith’s decision to sell off her old leotards. One curious fan asked, “Why is she selling her leos?” while another pointed out that this was a unique way to make money, saying, “Ok I’m glad, get that money Ragan!” Another fan expressed concern, saying, “It’s a shame she needs the cash that bad.”

In response, someone else suggested, “Or she just wants to sell something she doesn’t need anymore and gets freakin $700 for it. Totally worth it.” The original account chimed in writing, “I don’t disagree. I’m saying it’s sad that she has so little value in those leos.”

Reflecting on Smith’s history, another gymnastics fan remarked, “She should throw the crutches in there too,” referencing her injury at the 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, which forced her to withdraw from the all-around final. Another fan considered the sale a bargain, saying, “The price is insanely reasonable. Competition leotards like that can easily cost $400+ not to mention the fact that it has a historical significance, is team USA branded, and is one of only a few ever made. I can’t imagine selling it though. I won’t sell even my oldest comp leos”

Meanwhile, another fan applauded her entrepreneurial spirit, saying, “Good for her. Get that bag.” 

The Core Hydration Classic drew intense attention as the scene of a highly anticipated showdown between Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas, rekindling their rivalry from the drama-filled 2016 Rio Olympics. However, the competition took an unexpected turn when Douglas withdrew after the first rotation due to a low score on the Uneven Bars.

Following the electrifying performances at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic in Hartford, USA Gymnastics has unveiled the list of athletes qualified for the prestigious 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. Despite earlier setbacks, it looks like we might still witness the highly anticipated clash between Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas.

This highly anticipated 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships will take place from May 30 to June 2 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The Championships promise to showcase the crème de la crème in American gymnastics, featuring both seasoned veterans and promising new talents and are an important qualifier for the US Olympic trials. Following the thrilling 2024 Core Hydration Classic in Hartford, USA Gymnastics has announced the names of 42 women in the senior section who have qualified to compete at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The standout athletes and their apparatus specializations are:

Simone Biles — Spring, Texas/World Champions Centre (All-Around)
Shilese Jones — Auburn, Wash./Ascend Gymnastics Center (All-Around)
Suni Lee — St. Paul, Minn./Midwest Gymnastics Center (Vault, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise)
Skye Blakely — Frisco, Texas/WOGA Gymnastics (All-Around)
Leanne Wong — Overland Park, Kan./University of Florida (All-Around)
Jade Carey — Phoenix, Ariz./Oregon State University (All-Around)
Dulcy Caylor — Spring, Texas/World Champions Centre (All-Around)
Jordan Chiles — Vancouver, Wash./World Champions Centre (All-Around)
Kayla DiCello — Boyds, Md./Hill’s Gymnastics (All-Around)
Gabby Douglas — Anna, Texas/WOGA Gymnastics (Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam)

34 men in the senior category too, have qualified to compete at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The standout athletes are:

Javier Alfonso — Miami, Fla./University of Michigan
Fuzzy Benas — Richmond, Texas/University of Oklahoma
Asher Hong — Tomball, Texas/Stanford University
Yul Moldauer — Arvada, Colo./5280 Gymnastics
Brody Malone — Aragon, Ga./EVO Gymnastics
Fred Richard — Stoughton, Mass./University of Michigan
Shane Wiskus — Spring Park, Minn./EVO Gymnastics
Khoi Young — Bowie, Md./Stanford University

14 junior women qualified to compete at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The budding prodigies are:

Isabella Anzola — Statham, Ga./Georgia Elite Gymnastics
Harlow Buddendeck — Rochester, N.Y./RGA
Charleigh Bullock — Spotsylvania, Va./Capital Gymnastics National Training Center

And among the 43 junior men who have qualified to compete at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, the top three names include:

Christian Bart-Williams — Murphy, Texas/WOGA Gymnastics
Grant Bowers — Taylors, S.C./Hayden’s International Gymnastic Academy
Nartey Brady — Los Ranchos, N.M./Eagle Ridge Gymnastics

As we reflect on these standout names, it’s crucial to understand why Suni Lee and Gabby Douglas did not qualify for the All-Around competition.

34 men in the senior category too, have qualified to compete at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The standout athletes are:

Javier Alfonso — Miami, Fla./University of Michigan
Fuzzy Benas — Richmond, Texas/University of Oklahoma
Asher Hong — Tomball, Texas/Stanford University
Yul Moldauer — Arvada, Colo./5280 Gymnastics
Brody Malone — Aragon, Ga./EVO Gymnastics
Fred Richard — Stoughton, Mass./University of Michigan
Shane Wiskus — Spring Park, Minn./EVO Gymnastics
Khoi Young — Bowie, Md./Stanford University

14 junior women qualified to compete at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The budding prodigies are:

Isabella Anzola — Statham, Ga./Georgia Elite Gymnastics
Harlow Buddendeck — Rochester, N.Y./RGA
Charleigh Bullock — Spotsylvania, Va./Capital Gymnastics National Training Center

And among the 43 junior men who have qualified to compete at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, the top three names include:

Christian Bart-Williams — Murphy, Texas/WOGA Gymnastics
Grant Bowers — Taylors, S.C./Hayden’s International Gymnastic Academy
Nartey Brady — Los Ranchos, N.M./Eagle Ridge Gymnastics

As we reflect on these standout names, it’s crucial to understand why Suni Lee and Gabby Douglas did not qualify for the All-Around competition.

Similarly, Suni Lee delivered a commendable performance, especially considering her return to the discipline after a long hiatus due to a kidney disorder. Although Lee competed in only three apparatuses, she was quite content with her overall showing. Lee is slowly building her confidence to be able to do the all-around event since her health crisis.

Her coach Jess Garba shared, “We needed to get floor out of the way and we really wanted to get beam under pressure, and since beam was last, that’s [exactly] what we wanted.” Her standout performance came on the balance beam, where she secured first place with an impressive score of 14.6.

The gymnastics community is in an uproar over the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Championships, with many slamming the event’s over-packed schedule. The Xfinity Championships are amongst the premier events in the sport in the United States. This year’s competition is intense, with it being an Olympic year, as gymnasts nationwide compete for a spot on the team.

Held annually, this event features everyone, from seasoned veterans to rising stars. At over 8 events this year, watch for Olympians Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Suni Lee competing against each other post-Core Hydration Classics in Hartford. The gymnastics community is eagerly holding their breath in anticipation after the schedule gets released.

Gymnastics on Reddit announced the qualifiers for the 2024 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships following the Core Hydration Classics. The event is set to take place from 30th May to 2nd June in Fort Worth, Texas. It consists of 8 separate events, including Junior and Senior men’s and women’s events. This is a step towards making the top 5 team that will represent the USA in the Paris Games. The senior women’s competition is highly anticipated, with Simone Biles and 2016 Olympic champion Gabby Douglas set to compete head-to-head.

It will be especially thrilling considering Douglas bowed out of the CHC as she struggled on the mat. As Douglas lamented, “I had a tough start, but I’m not giving up. This is my chance to show the world I still have what it takes.” Whereas Simone Biles won the all-around title. The Junior women’s competition is also going to be one to watch as young talents like Isabella Anzola, Harlow Buddendeck and Charleigh Bullock are all vying for the coveted title. Anzola said, “This is my moment to prove myself. I’ve been working hard, and I’m ready to leave it all on the floor.” In the men’s events, the senior competition will see titans Javier Alfonso, Fuzzy Benas and Asher Hong clash.

As Benas stated, “The competition is fierce, but I’m confident in my abilities. I’m going to leave it all out there and give the crowd a show they’ll never forget.” The schedule is jampacked for four days and fans and followers of the gymnastics community are eagerly waiting for their favorite athlete to take to the mat though they are concerned about the health fallouts from the packed schedule.

Intense competition is to be expected when the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Championships is considered. Some fans are concerned about the impact of the demanding schedule on physical and mental health at this year’s Xfinity Championships. People seemed to be bewildered by the packed routines across the four days.

One fan suggested that considering the current setup, it seems necessary to move 10-15 seniors to the junior session. Alternatively, implementing rotations for both juniors and seniors could be effective and said, “I think they need to move 10-15 seniors to the junior session. They could even have all juniors in rotations and all seniors in rotations but there is no way 11 people per event is doable. Also, as awful as it sounds, it should be those least likely to make trials to keep things as fair/even as possible for those looking for a spot at trials.”

With so much excitement and speculation buzzing around, many fans are eager to know about the potential updates and changes. So the next fan commented asking this, “Is it possible for changes in the future, or is this set in stone?” Expressing a mix of surprise and concern over the competition’s setup, a fan remarked, “So unless they do sessions, they’re gonna have 10-11 girls on each event both nights. Jesus.” This raises concerns about managing a crowded field and the competition’s organization.

Some community members also questioned the criteria to participate in the 2024 Xfinity games. They seemed to want a better cutoff to ensure tougher competition asking, “51 was too low a cutoff, quite frankly. I would have been happy with a 51.25 – that’s just about the point of 2023 Worlds AA R4, or even a 51.5.” Another fan begged to differ as the scores seem fair and consistent with what is expected to qualify in a domestic championship. As it would be unfair to qualify for a foreign event but not one within the country, saying, “On the other hand, it’d be kinda sad and unfair if you’re capable of a score that could almost get you into the World AA final but not even deemed capable of attending your own national championships.”

The uproar over the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Championships’ packed schedule underscores the pressing need for reforms. The gymnastics community awaits potential changes to improve the event’s balance and overall experience for participants and spectators alike.

Jonathan Owens witnessed his wife Simone Biles’ victory live at the Core Hydration Classic 2024 in the packed arena of XL Center. Yesterday, he could not hold his excitement from time to time while Simone Biles continued to create magic on the mat. Expectedly, JO’s presence also remained special to Simone for all the lovely reasons shared between the couple. However, the NFL safety has added another piece to that enjoyment with a memorable promise. In his IG post, he has opened up on that promise and it is about remaining alongside his wife, without caring about the world.

In his statement, Jonathan Owens wrote, “I love being able to watch you go out there and do your thing. I’m here with you every step of the way, wouldn’t miss it for the world”. Incidentally, yesterday’s Core Hydration Classic remained a fairy occasion for multiple reasons. With stepping into that elite contest, Simone announced her entry in the Paris Olympic season. Additionally, it remained one of the very few contests attained by Jonathan Owens in which Simone Biles participated. Furthermore, when the couple has been going through so much scrutiny from the outside world because of not-so-essential reasons for the last several months, JO’s appearance in yesterday’s Core Hydration Classic proved the bond the couple shares among themselves. Having said that, the couple presented several glimpses of that bonding from the sideline last night.

Before the actual game started at the XL Center yesterday, Jonathan Owens and Simone had a limited option to meet with each other. But Simone did not miss out on finding her husband sitting among the audience. At that moment, the couple exchanged glances between themselves. Later, throughout the game, Jonathan Owens remained restless, clapping and cheering for his wife. Simone Biles must have noticed those as well. Later, in the post-game conversation, arguably the greatest gymnast ever proceeded with her emotions regarding JO’s appearance in the audience seat.

Talking about her takes on such a scene, Simone Biles said, “I think this one was huge”. How it should not be! For the last several months, scores of debates have taken place on the subject of Simone Biles’ relationship with her husband, Jonathan Owens. The gymnast also had spoken about the distance between her and Jonathan because of their sporting engagements. Several more arguments added fuel to the discussion.

Simone Biles has multiple reasons to celebrate the evening 

Last year, while the couple had been trying to adapt to the changing situation, Jonathan Owens drew attention with his ‘catch’ comment in the Pivot podcast. Basically, he said, “I always say that the men are the catch” while describing his relationship with wife Simone Biles. The comment invited a lot of flak as individuals questioned his attitude toward Simone Biles. After that, a sizeable chunk of netizens asked for a divorce between Simone and her husband, Jonathan. However, the 7-time Olympic medalist gave no response to such a demand. But the situation changed later as the unexpected public scrutiny breached the personal boundaries of the couple. Since then, Simone Biles has posted a lot of fiery messages protesting against such a kangaroo court. In all this while, she has been defending her husband from the harsh criticism.

In the past as well, Simone Biles had supported Jonathan Owens without judging his knowledge of gymnastics. In fact, she knew that Jonathan didn’t have many chances to witness the sport. Furthermore, he had no idea of Simone Biles’ fame in gymnastics and all the rules and regulations when he first met the American gymnast in 2020-21. But Simone still preferred him, as she believed in Jonathan’s reality. Adding to that, Simone Biles mentioned him by saying, “he’s pretty cute”. 

Such lovey-dovey affairs did not take a hit when Simone had been facing her ‘twisties’ or the aftermath situation regarding her mental health. The NFL safety thoroughly backed his wife during those months. Apart from staying beside Simone in her complicated times, Jonathan Owens remained in the band of individuals who cheered for Simone’s gymnastics comeback last year.

He could not be present physically when Simone Biles took up the podium in the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship. But JO celebrated the moment from the far corner of the world with a joyful eruption. So this time, the Core Hydration Classic remains special as it witnessed the proud husband clapping without a pause from the strands while Simone Biles crossed every gymnastic barrier to post the high score.

In the high-stakes competitive realm of sports, where triumphs and strengths are celebrated with pomp and show, failures are often hidden. But in the world of gymnastics, two phenomenal figures have broken the silence on an issue that transcends medals and honors. Simone Biles has prioritized her mental well-being over chasing Olympic glory. And 64-year-old former US gymnast Kathy Johnson Clarke stood by her side in utmost solidarity as she narrated her own stories of fighting her intrusive thoughts and inner demons.

The 1984 Olympics medalist recently opened up about her unexpected struggles with PTSD decades after her retirement. Kathy Johnson Clarke retired from the field of gymnastics about 40 years ago. Post-retirement, she began a new journey as a sports commentator. But years after her retirement, Clarke’s words reflected how mental illness can take a huge toll on one’s life.

Simone Biles is undoubtedly one of the greatest in the world of gymnastics. But the queen of the mat too faced a mental health crisis in the most unfortunate situation. Despite arriving at the face of the Games, during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles decided to prioritize her mental health and withdrew from the global stage. Her act of courage to prioritize her well-being over potential gold medals resonated worldwide. Recently Kathy Johnson Clarke too stood by Biles’ decision.

In a recent X post, Kathy Johnson Clarke shares a report by AP News and wrote, “At nearly 65 and 40 years post retirement after the 84 Olympics I learned this year how real PTSD is. I didn’t expect “those paralyzing thoughts & feelings” again.” She suffered from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) recently and Johnson Clarke shared how she fought against the illness without giving up easily. Through their vulnerability and resilience, both Biles and Johnson Clarke inspire a broader dialogue about the importance of mental health, not just in sports, but in every aspect of life.

Back in 2021, during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles had to withdraw because of ‘Twisties’ (a disorienting condition where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness mid-air). But with the Paris Olympics knocking on her door, has Simone Biles fully recovered from the illness? “It’s a trauma that happened to her and that came at a bad time and she could not handle it. It’s as simple as this. She could not function. She could not be a gymnast at that time,” said Laurent Landi, who along with Cecile Landi coached Biles in 2017.

Biles overcomes stress and anxiety to triumph in the U.S. Classics, and eyes Paris Olympics

After she decided to leave the Olympic stage because of mental health issues, returning to the mat became an even bigger challenge. Fighting against anxiety, PTSD, and uncountable barriers, she started to prepare herself for the upcoming U.S. Classics. With her mother, Nellie Biles, by her side, she emerged victorious, securing several accolades in the event.

“It’s not like I think that ‘Olympics’ is a plague and I’m trying to avoid it or trying not to say it. I just think there are other things I have to get to before that,” stated Simone Biles, sharing her thoughts about the Paris Olympics. Both Clarke and Biles share a common thread. That is their ongoing journey of managing mental health amidst public scrutiny and personal expectations. Their stories highlight a poignant truth that even the most accomplished athletes are not immune to the invisible battles within. And that mental well-being must top the list of priorities for all.

In just under 24 hours, the anticipation mounts as the stage is set for the Core Hydration Classic 2024. This event will showcase the incredible talent of 50 elite athletes. Among these remarkable competitors, their combined achievements boast a staggering total of 88 medals earned in Olympic, World Championship, and Pan American Games competitions. As the spotlight intensifies, all eyes are also on the legendary Simone Biles, making her fourth Olympic cycle comeback.

The registered roster includes the iconic trio of past women’s Olympic all-around champions: Gabby Douglas (2012), Simone Biles (2016), and Suni Lee (2020). Their presence, along with that of the tenacious field of contenders, promises a clash of titans. But before the main event, let’s delve into the electrifying atmosphere of the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training, offering a glimpse of our stars as they fine-tune their routines in preparation for tomorrow’s exhilarating competition.

At the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, Suni Lee began with some tumbling, including a smooth double tuck, followed by a precise double layout. Suni’s planned tumbling sequence featured a double layout, a 1.5 twist into a full twist, and a double tuck. During her attempt at the ‘Lee,’ a challenging move named after her, she struggled to maintain her hold, resulting in two missed attempts.

Despite this, she persevered and continued with her routine. Suni dismounted from the beam with a layout or possibly a piked gainer full twist, showcasing her flexibility and control. Although she attempted the LSO mount, she did not connect out of it as intended. Despite these challenges, her determination and skill were evident throughout her performance.

Gabby Douglas ready for a showdown

Gabby Douglas arrived in Connecticut via private jet due to severe weather in Dallas and proceeded to deliver an impressive full routine at the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training. During her uneven bars routine, her coach, Valeri, was closely involved, though it was difficult to gauge the extent of his assistance. Gabby executed a series of complex elements, starting with a switch leap, a switch half, and a ring leap.

In her floor routine, she performed a front flip, an LSO, and a standing full twist with a minor step. Her punch front was slightly short, causing a step back, and her switch ring leap was questionable for full credit again. She followed with two back handsprings and a timer dismount. On FX, she also wowed with a double layout and a front full to a full-in, showcasing her powerful skills and preparation for the competition ahead.

Simone Biles wows fans with some Taylor Swift

At the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and their teammates from WCC made a striking entrance in pink attire. Simone Biles, ready to make her debut in her fourth Olympic cycle, stood out in a green leopard leotard. Her floor choreography, set to Taylor Swift’s music, captivated the audience. On the balance beam, Simone’s usually rapid routine was slightly slowed due to a missed connection out of the mount, but she remained solid and concluded with a full-in dismount.

On floor exercise, she brought back her signature Biles II move, which is the triple-double, showcasing her extraordinary difficulty. During her uneven bars routine, she performed two big layout timers, likely preparing for a double pike, and finished with a double double dismount. Simone’s training session highlighted her readiness and continued dominance in the sport.

Jordan Chiles shows a new move

Jordan Chiles, also making her 2024 season debut, faced some challenges during the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training on the floor exercise. She came up short on her combination through to a full-in pass and experienced a crash on a full-twisting double layout. Despite this, she managed a much better full-twisting double layout on a subsequent attempt, although she landed out of bounds.

On the balance beam, Jordan introduced a new element with a front tuck mount, adding excitement and difficulty to her routine. Despite the setbacks on floor, her innovative skills on the beam were a standout, showcasing major growth since 2023.

Konnor McClain showcased her impressive skills during the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training. She flawlessly executed a series of back handsprings into a layout with two feet on the balance beam, followed by an excellent standing full twist. Additionally, Konnor performed a few FTYs (Full Twisting Yurchenkos) on the vault, demonstrating her power and precision. Konnor’s strong performances in the apparatuses she practiced highlighted her readiness and competitive edge.

At the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training, Tiana Sumanasekera delivered a stunning full-twisting double layout on the floor exercise. Her execution was impeccable, showcasing her power and control. Making her elite 2024 season debut at the US Classics, at the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training, Leanne Wong initially struggled on the uneven bars at the start of the rotation. However, she persevered and successfully completed a full routine by the end.

On the floor exercise, Leanne impressed with a powerful double layout and a precise Arabian double, showcasing her refined skills and readiness for the season ahead. Despite the early difficulties on bars, her resilience and strong performances on floor underscored her competitive spirit for tomorrow. During the Core Hydration Classic Podium Training, Kaliya Lincoln delivered an outstanding front-full-to-full-in on floor exercise. Her execution was exceptional, displaying both power and precision.

Making her season debut at the Senior Women’s Core Hydration Classic, Shilese Jones impressed with a clean and powerful double double on the floor exercise at podium training. Her execution of this challenging tumbling pass demonstrated her strength and technical skill, marking a strong start to her 2024 season.

Coming off of her historic, record-setting comeback in 2023, 7-time Olympic medalist and 30-time (23 gold) World Medalist Simone Biles is set to make her 2024 season debut at the Core Hydration Classic. For Biles, this isn’t just another competition; every meet is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice for her. Moreover, since Core Hydration is the first competition of the year and comes just after her win at the World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, all eyes will be on her. So, as the event draws right around the corner, Biles is dedicated to making some sacrifices.

Among these sacrifices is her commitment to core hydration, a crucial element in maintaining peak performance. This is because the 2024 Core Hydration tournament will be especially grueling. In the upcoming competition, three U.S. Olympic All-around gold medalists—Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, and Suni Lee will compete head-to-head. Naturally, Biles is striving to be in top form for the challenge.

Recently, Simone Biles shared a series of pictures on her Instagram story of an intimate gathering with her coaches and family in Hartford. There, Biles was seen abstaining from all alcoholic beverages captioning, “I’m having a mocktail”. She was also joined by her husband Jonathan Owens and hinted at enjoying an ice cream. Additionally, she posed for a picture with Jonathan in her next story. While others enjoyed a lemony boozy drink, Biles chose something different. Likely because of the Core Hydration tournament that is set to take place today.

Even Biles’ ex-coach and WCC program director, Cecile Landi, posted about the event in a story of the WCC team undergoing podium training before today’s tournament. Biles will face formidable opponents in the competition. The Core Hydration classics are especially important this year due to the Paris Olympics. They are a stepping stone to being selected for the US women’s gymnastics team.

Biles is vying for a position as she was heard saying, “The 2024 Olympics is definitely on my radar. I’m not going to count out 2024. You just have to be patient with me and accept me for who I am.” Though Biles and her opponents have already qualified for the Xfinity U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, later this month, Classics is still an important stage to assert her dominance firmly once again, cruising through the fiery lineup in the meet.

Competing on the mat will be Suni Lee, who is the reigning Olympic all-around champion. Lee has been teasing a new and improved routine for months and will be tough competition. Even Gabby Douglas will be present. Douglas made a comeback at the American Classic and qualified for the U.S. Championships, aiming to earn a spot on her third Olympic team. Biles told Le Monde, “’I’m getting old and I have more to lose.” This builds up pressure and requires sacrificing a little bit of fun. But Biles is not unfamiliar with that.

Simone Biles is no stranger to making sacrifices for her sport

“I never thought I’d be who I am,” Simone had said once, referring to her disturbed upbringing. But eventually, she made it, since her whole life had revolved around gymnastics. At the age of 14, she gave up her friends and school life to be homeschooled. Just so that she could train for 30 hours a week. After making the Olympic team for the 2016 games, Simone had vented out her sorrow for that. “The biggest thing I’ve had to give up was public school for the four years of my high school,” She had said on that occasion. There is more to it.

“Just being every kid likes…being social…like having lots of friends…going out…and then…like the high school proms,” Simone had painted the picture of her restricted life she lived only for her sport. She even made the trip year after year to the Karolyi ranch to train. This resilience and sacrifice have paid Simone well. “Simone is so good that the rest of us can only hope to finish second to her in the all-around. What else can you do? She does all sorts of crazy things no one else can do,” Sunisa Lee had said once about Simone. But in the end, she has something that not many can afford.

“Since I’m where I’m now…I don’t think I missed too much of it because they can’t really say that world champions are going to Olympics…so I thnk it’s okay that I missed prom,” Simone had said, taking the miss to her favor.

This year, Simone Biles and her coach Cecile Landi are primarily focusing on Biles’ mental health and physical well-being. This seems to be the reason why she abstained from alcohol and partying. Biles said in a previous interview, “I’m not trying to make a comeback. I’m trying to get back to what I love to do, but in a healthier way. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it at the end of the day.” Keeping that in mind, Biles is aiming for a spot amongst the five-member team heading to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Now that Biles has sacrificed so many things, what is one drink on the face of it?

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.