Day Two of the Olympic Trials Announces Paris Gymnastics Team
Day two of the Gymnastic Olympic Trials ended excitedly on June 30, when the 2024 Paris Team was announced.
After two days of intense competition, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera made the 2024 Olympic Gymnastics Team and will head to Paris in July. The two alternates consist of Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson.
THE FIVE FLYING TO PARIS! #MTUSA | #USAGTrials24 pic.twitter.com/sTQK00zqZn
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 1, 2024
The night started strong, with Suni Lee performing at her best event, the uneven bars. She executed an outstanding routine, sticking her dismount to score 14.875. The athlete jumped off the mat with a smile, tears forming as the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Suni Lee’s uneven bars routine is insane
— beep (@briochebunnie) July 2, 2024
Many athletes struggled on the balance beam; Biles and Chiles fell once, and Lee fell twice. They shook off the unsettled nerves and coursed through the meet exceeding expectations.
Rivera, the 16-year-old newcomer, caught the eyes of the crowd with her crisp beam routine, tying for first with a 14.275. Additionally, Carey made an unbelievable save during a pirouette on the uneven bars.
Ending the competition on the floor routines, Biles took to the mat performing a fan favorite. Dancing along to Taylor Swift, commentators stated that the athlete reached a new height of 12 feet during her first pass. Scoring a 14.275, she received a standing ovation from the crowd. Biles sat down on the edge of the mat and took in the cheers of her loving fans.
Simone Biles,back to the Olympic stage.France 2024. pic.twitter.com/DV1uz8iZpq
— Kimberley Sequeira (@KimberleySeque1) July 2, 2024
Chiles and Roberson performed jaw-dropping routines on the floor exercise. Tears filled their eyes as they walked off the floor, taking in the moment. Carey performed her double-twisting double layout on the floor, and Wong scored a 14.5 on her Cheng vault.
Biles secured her spot on the Paris team, winning first place with a score of 117.225 (six points ahead of second place). The selection committee left the arena to decide the final four, joining Biles and the two alternates. The girls were called out onto the floor, filled with laughter and tears. Additionally, the men’s gymnastic team, trampoline individuals, and rhythmic gymnastic team were brought out to celebrate their achievements.
Biles, 27, made history as the oldest female American gymnast to make the Olympics since the 1950s. On Sunday, Biles’ four teammates appreciated her guidance and mentorship.
all for one, one for all
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 2, 2024
thank you, Minneapolis!
next stop: PARIS!#USAGTrials24 | #MTUSA pic.twitter.com/JgxTNvkY6L
Throughout the night, the screens turned towards the gymnasts’ family members. The parents and siblings cheered on the athletes as they watched them perform the night of their lives. NBC Olympics created “The journey to Gymnastics Trials: A parental perspective” featuring Chiles, Wong, Carey, Rivera, Lee, and Biles’ families.
With streamers falling and the crowd cheering, the five athletes expressed their gratitude.
Biles revealed, “I knew I wasn’t done after the performances in Tokyo. Getting back in the gym and trusting the process with Cecile and Laurent.” Shortly adding, “I knew I’d be back.”
Lee stated, “Well, I was just reminded of my goals every day and constantly surrounded by people who never let me give up. I’m so thankful because a year ago, I didn’t even think this was …” She began to tear up while Chiles comforted her. “Yeah, I didn’t think this was possible and I’m so grateful for all these amazing ladies. They’re absolutely incredible, so I can’t wait to be in Paris.”
Jade Carey expressed, “This is the most stressful meet I’ve ever been a part of in my life. Those past experiences really helped me, reminded me why I’m doing this sport and where I wanna go and I couldn’t do it without my family, my coaches, my friends, even these ladies right here, so I’m ready to rock it in Paris with them.”
Jordan Chiles shared, “Honestly, one thing I can say is (it’s) all God. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for him, if it wasn’t for these amazing ladies, my coaches, my family, my friends.”
Ending with Hezly Rivera, she stated, “I’m so grateful for everything. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to be here, so I’m so incredibly grateful forever. I could not be more happy. I’m ecstatic.”
Check out USA Gymnastic’s Instagram account for updates leading to the Olympics.
