Simone Biles Embarks on Paris Olympic Journey at Core Hydration Classic
As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw nearer, top female US gymnasts like the renowned Simone Biles kick off their qualification journey for the Summer Games with the Core Hydration Classic event this Saturday.
The Core Hydration Classic on Saturday is a crucial event for female US gymnasts like Simone Biles, as it marks the beginning of their journey to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It will be a historic moment as three Olympic all-around champions, including Gabby Douglas and Sunisa Lee, will be competing alongside Biles for the first time ever at the event in Hartford, Connecticut. Douglas won gold in 2012, Lee in 2021, and now they will all be vying for a chance to represent the US once again on the Olympic stage.
The last time the three women competed against each other was eight years ago at the national championships. Biles emerged as the winner, Douglas finished fourth, and Lee placed 10th in the juniors.
TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 27: Simone Biles of Team United States stumbles upon landing after competing in vault during the Women's Team Final on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 27, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Simone Biles, from Team United States, had a stumble during the Women's Team Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The event took place on July 27 at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo, Japan. A photo of the moment was captured by Jamie Squire/Getty Images.
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Since then, all three have achieved enormous success but have each faced their own challenges, adding a comeback quality to their attempts to qualify for Paris, which begin in earnest on Saturday.
Despite such a talented field, Biles continues to shine as the star attraction. She faced setbacks at the Tokyo Olympics due to the "twisties" - a mental block that can cause a gymnast to lose track of their positions midair. However, she is determined to increase her collection of seven Olympic medals at Paris 2024.
Biles took a break from gymnastics after winning a bronze in the balance beam in Tokyo. She made a comeback last year and immediately made a strong impact.
In her return, she achieved remarkable success by winning four gold medals and a silver at the world championships. With this accomplishment, she became the most decorated gymnast in history, surpassing Vitaly Scherbo's record of 33 overall medals from the Olympics and world championships.
Gabby Douglas is attempting to qualify for the Paris Olympics after eight years away from competition.
Gabby Douglas is attempting to qualify for the Paris Olympics after eight years away from competition.
Biles is starting her journey to Paris at the Core Hydration Classic. The last chance to qualify for the Olympic Trials is at the national championships in June, where the best performers will be chosen.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Douglas will be competing for only the second time since the 2016 Rio Olympics. This comes after she announced her return to the sport 10 months ago.
Douglas shared with NBC News Now that she felt a longing for competition while watching the US national championships in 2022. This inspired her to return to training and she expressed her disbelief at being back in the sport again.
Lee faced challenges after winning the Olympics three years ago. She had to take breaks from the gym due to kidney disease. Luckily, with treatment, she was able to control the condition and now she is aiming for success in Paris.
Sunisa Lee won the all-around Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
Sunisa Lee won the all-around Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Lee shared with Reuters last month that Biles' inspiring example has helped her feel more comfortable discussing her mental health.
This weekend, Biles will be facing off against 13 other medalists, including Jade Carey, the floor champion from the Tokyo Olympics, and Shilese Jones, a six-time world championship medalist.
To watch Biles compete, tune in to the second session of the senior women's competition on Saturday, May 18 from 7-9 p.m. ET. She will be joined by other gymnasts who have also competed at the Olympics or World Championships. The first session, scheduled from 2-4 p.m. ET, will showcase all other senior gymnasts.
You can catch the first senior session live on the USA Gymnastics YouTube channel. Then, the second session with Biles, Douglas, and Lee will be shown on CNBC and Peacock. NBC will also broadcast a recap show on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. ET.
Editor's P/S:
The Core Hydration Classic marks a pivotal moment in the gymnastics world, setting the stage for the journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The presence of three Olympic all-around champions—Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Sunisa Lee—adds an unprecedented level of excitement and anticipation. Each gymnast has faced their own obstacles, with Biles overcoming the "twisties" that plagued her in Tokyo, Douglas returning after an eight-year hiatus, and Lee managing a kidney condition. Their determination and resilience make this event a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes.
The Core Hydration Classic offers a glimpse into the future of US gymnastics and the potential for a historic Olympic performance in Paris. With a talented field of gymnasts and the return of these three icons, the competition promises to be thrilling and inspiring. The presence of Biles, Douglas, and Lee on the same stage is a reminder of the enduring legacy of these athletes and their unwavering pursuit of excellence.
