USA Gymnastics Squad for Paris Olympics: All You Need to Know About Star-Studded Team Led By Simon Biles

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Simone Biles is determined to leave the Tokyo Olympics behind as she leads the USA women's gymnastics team at the Paris Olympics.

Biles, who withdrew from several finals in Tokyo to focus on her mental health, now headlines a team filled with both familiar faces and new talents, all eager for a shot at redemption. Read below everything you need to know about USA's gymnastics squad.

Simone Biles: The Veteran Leader

Returning for her third Olympics, Simone Biles, at 27, is the most decorated women's gymnast in history, boasting 37 medals from the Olympics and World Championships. After a two-year hiatus to prioritize her mental health, during which she married Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, Biles is back and possibly better than ever.

Her routines on vault and floor exercise remain the hardest being performed by any woman globally. Despite the challenges, Biles continues to train with a renewed focus, emphasizing her personal choice to stay in the sport.

Sunisa Lee: The Comeback Queen

Sunisa Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around champion, is making an inspiring comeback after facing significant health challenges. Over the past 18 months, kidney-related issues threatened her Olympic dreams, causing her to consider quitting.

However, with support from USA Gymnastics team doctor Marcia Faustin and her personal coach Jess Graba, Lee regained her form just in time. Known for her intricate uneven bars routine, Lee has also developed a newfound strength on the balance beam. Determined to secure a gold medal on beam, Lee's resolve and artistry make her a key player on the team.

Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles: The Steady Performers

Jade Carey, the 2020 floor exercise champion, and Jordan Chiles, a silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, bring both experience and skill to the team. At 24 and 23 respectively, Carey and Chiles have benefited from the recent easing of name, image, and likeness rules, allowing them to continue training and competing at the collegiate level while enjoying the financial rewards of their Olympic success.

Carey, who competes for Oregon State, and Chiles, representing UCLA, have both contributed to the growing interest in college gymnastics, demonstrating the evolving landscape of U.S. Olympic gymnastics.

Hezly Rivera: The Rising Star

The youngest member of the team, 16-year-old Hezly Rivera from New Jersey, is the squad's sole Olympic rookie. Rivera earned her place by excelling under pressure at the US trials, finishing fifth in the all-around and tying for first on beam. Competing alongside her idols, Rivera has shown remarkable composure and skill, making her a promising addition to the team.

The Oldest U.S. Team in History

This U.S. women's gymnastics team is the oldest ever sent to the Olympics. Biles, the oldest female U.S. gymnast since the 1950s, leads a group of athletes who have defied the traditional model of retiring early.

The ability for gymnasts like Lee, Chiles, and Carey to continue their careers into their 20s, supported by the new NIL rules, has revolutionized the sport and the composition of the Olympic team.

Competition Schedule

The team will prepare for the Olympics, starting with the opening ceremonies on July 26. The women's gymnastics competition begins with qualifying rounds on July 28, with the finals scheduled for July 30. With defending champions Russia unable to compete, the American team is heavily favored to reclaim the top spot on the podium.

As they head to Paris, Biles and her teammates are not just aiming for gold but are also redefining what it means to be elite gymnasts, showcasing resilience, longevity, and an unwavering commitment to their sport.