Minneapolis – A week ago, Alicia Sacramone Quinn dreaded the decision to select the 2024 Olympic team. Faced with a highly competitive field and numerous questions, the national team’s strategic lead felt the pressure mounting.
Ultimately, the decision mirrored the Tokyo Olympics selection. The United States will send four members from its 2020 Olympic team to Paris: Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey. The fifth and final spot went to a newcomer, 16-year-old Hezly Rivera, who recently became senior-eligible.
Rivera secured her place with standout performances on the balance beam and uneven bars, scoring 13.70 and 14.025, respectively, outperforming her competitors. Her solid all-around performance, finishing fifth, made the selection straightforward, as the top five all-arounders at trials were chosen. Rivera’s father was visibly emotional as she remained composed during the announcement.
“Honestly, it was pretty straightforward,” said Quinn. Rivera’s solid routines and ability on bars and beams gave her the edge. The committee also considered the long-term benefits of adding a young talent for future Olympics.
The team, filled with renowned athletes, saw fans rise to their feet repeatedly. The most notable star is Simone Biles. Although her routine at the trials wasn’t flawless, her remarkable athleticism and difficulty level were evident. At 27, Biles is the oldest American female gymnast since the 1950s.
“I knew I wasn’t done after Tokyo,” Biles said, crediting her regular therapy sessions for helping her return. “Getting back to the gym, trusting the process, I knew I’d be back.”
Biles’ withdrawal from the 2021 Olympics significantly affected the team’s trajectory and resulted in a silver medal instead of the anticipated gold. However, Biles emphasizes that her return to the Olympics is a personal journey rather than a quest for redemption.
“Nobody is forcing me to do it,” Biles said. “I wake up every day and choose to grind in the gym. That’s my why. … Success is what I make it.”
Her teammates share a similar perspective. Carey, who competed at Oregon State, found strength in the team environment there despite the challenges of balancing collegiate and elite gymnastics. She recently won the all-around at the American Classic, demonstrating her readiness for the Olympics.
Chiles also had a tumultuous journey. After Biles withdrew from Tokyo, she stepped up but faced setbacks. Enrolling at UCLA and building her brand, Chiles remained determined to return to the Olympics. Despite not being selected for the 2023 World team and dealing with a shoulder injury, she performed solidly at the U.S. Championships and trials.
On the eve of the first day of competition, Chiles shifted her mindset, drawing inspiration from artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé. Her strong performances secured her place on the team.
Sunisa Lee, the reigning all-around Olympic gold medalist, faced health challenges with two kidney diseases. Cleared to train in January, Lee initially competed selectively but gradually returned to all-around competitions. Her performance at the trials, especially on uneven bars, impressed the judges despite a minor setback on the balance beam.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Lee expressed her gratitude for persevering despite contemplating quitting. “I didn’t think I’d be here,” she said, fighting back tears.
Having taken a nearly two-year break after Tokyo, Biles returned in 2023, winning every competition she entered. Her dominance was clear, with a significant margin over her competitors.
As Biles heads to Paris with familiar teammates, the team dynamic may look similar, but each athlete’s experiences and growth make it entirely different.
There is the 2024 U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics: Healy Rivera, Jade Carey, Simone Biles, Sun Lee, and Jordon Chiles. Traveling Replacement Athletes: Joscelyn Roberson & Leanne Wong
