Simone Biles Aims For Ninth U.S. All-Around Title At U.S. Gymnastics Championships Ahead Of Olympic Trials
America's top gymnasts are gearing up for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, as they inch closer to competing in this year's Olympics.
The women's championship kicks off on Friday, with the winners set to be crowned on Sunday. This event is the second of three major competitions leading up to the U.S. Olympic Trials on June 30th in Minneapolis, where the five person Olympic squad will be decided.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles, the current favourite, aims to secure her ninth U.S. all-around title. After suffering from "the twisties" - a form of mental block where gymnasts become disorientated mid-air - in the Tokyo Olympics 2021, Biles was forced to withdraw from several events.
The seven-time Olympic medalist returned to competing in August 2023 after a two year hiatus and has won four gold medals and a silver at last year’s world championship since her return. She has also recently won the U.S Classic. If she qualifies for the Olympic team, it will be her third Olympics with Team USA.
Suni Lee
Suni Lee, the Tokyo all-around champion, is on her comeback journey from kidney-related health issues. She will compete in all four apparatus for the first time since February 2023, having competed vault, beam and floor at the U.S Classic against Biles.
Shilese Jones
Shilese Jones, a two-time world all-around medalist, is focused on qualifying at the Olympic trials. Despite a sore shoulder that she has been suffering from since coming second place to Biles in the U.S. Classic, she remains optimistic, saying, "It's definitely a process. It's a plan."
Jade Carey, the reigning Olympic floor champion, and Jordan Chiles, known for stepping in for Biles in Tokyo, add to the event's competitive lineup.
Gabby Douglas, who had hoped to compete, withdrew due to an ankle injury but hasn't ruled out competing in the 2028 LA Olympics.
