Simone Biles Leads Star-Studded U.S. Gymnastics Team to World Championships

Simone Biles, the record-breaking 25-time world medalist, is set to lead a formidable U.S. women’s gymnastics team to the upcoming world championships in Antwerp, Belgium. While her legendary status is unquestioned, she is joined by three more past world champions on what is arguably the most decorated U.S. women’s gymnastics team by previous medals won in world championships history.

Biles secured her spot on the roster for the world championships by winning the all-around competition during a selection camp, a testament to her unwavering excellence in the sport.

The selection committee, announced on Wednesday, completed the roster with other remarkable gymnasts. Shilese Jones, a three-time world medalist and a 2022 World champion team member, will bring her exceptional skills to the team. So will Leanne Wong, another three-time world medalist and 2022 World champion team member, as well as Skye Blakely, who, at just 17, was the youngest member of the 2022 Worlds team and demonstrated her talent with a fifth-place finish on the balance beam.

Joscelyn Roberson, a world championships rookie, adds a fresh perspective to the team, showcasing her proficiency in floor exercise and vault. Kayla DiCello, the 2021 World all-around bronze medalist, will serve as the alternate.

Simone Biles’ astonishing 25 medals alone surpass the total of any previous U.S. women’s team heading to a world championships. This exceptional group of athletes collectively boasts an impressive collection of world championship medals.

This team has the chance to make history by securing a seventh consecutive world women’s team title, continuing a remarkable streak that commenced in 2011. Their main rival, Russia, has been banned from international competition for the last year and a half due to the invasion of Ukraine, leaving the path clear for the U.S. team.

Biles, at 26, is set to make history herself by becoming the first U.S. gymnast to compete at six world championships. She is also the oldest U.S. woman to compete at worlds in over half a century. Her return to competition in August, following the Tokyo Games, showcased her extraordinary talents as she posted the world’s top three scores in this Olympic cycle.

Shilese Jones, aged 21, battled through adversity, initially considering quitting elite gymnastics after placing 10th at the Tokyo Olympic Trials. Just a year later, she found herself in second place on the world stage, a testament to her resilience and dedication.

Leanne Wong, who celebrated her 20th birthday on Wednesday, is competing at her third consecutive world championships. As a Tokyo Olympic alternate, she secured the 2021 World all-around silver medal, and her consistent performances earned her a spot on the 2022 World team.

Skye Blakely, at 17, is already making her mark as the youngest member of the 2022 Worlds team. With her skills and determination, she clinched fourth place in the all-around at nationals and third at the selection camp.

Joscelyn Roberson, also 17, has had a remarkable journey, moving from the Texas-Arkansas border city of Texarkana to train at Simone Biles’ gym outside Houston. Her strengths lie in floor exercise and vault, promising exciting performances on the world stage.

While some notable names like Jade Carey, the Olympic floor gold medalist and reigning world champion on vault, and Jordan Chiles, an Olympic team silver medalist, did not make the team due to various factors, the current roster exudes talent and potential.

Suni Lee, the Tokyo Olympic all-around champion, declined an invitation to the selection camp, prioritizing her health as she continues to battle two kidney diseases.

The U.S. women’s gymnastics team, under the leadership of Simone Biles and complemented by a stellar ensemble of athletes, is poised for yet another remarkable chapter in their storied history at the upcoming world championships.