“I could be like, ‘Oh, no one’s watching me,’” admitted 19-year-old Joscelyn Roberson, reflecting on the anxiety she battles with every performance. “They’re watching Simone (Biles), Jordan (Chiles), Suni (Lee), and Jade (Carey) — not me.” It’s a common fear for rising stars to feel overshadowed by the greats, but how long can true talent go unnoticed?

Roberson silenced doubts at the 2023 World Championships. And now, ahead of the 2025 edition, she’s done it again at the Xfinity Championships — carrying forward Simone Biles’ legacy with pride.

Joscelyn Roberson was a traveling alternate for the 2024 Paris Olympics, but despite her best efforts, she did not qualify as a team member. However, that might change at the 2028 Olympics, as her recent performance at the Xfinity Championships has broken all the Paris Olympic records—except those held by Simone Biles.

With an upgraded 3rd pass, the 19-year-old soared to a 14.150 on floor with 6.500 in difficulty.

To give you a taste of perspective, Biles averaged a 15.300 for gold at the Paris Olympics, and coming in second was Rebeca Andrade, who won the silver at 14.966. So, it would not be wrong to state that only Biles had a higher start value than Roberson.

Well, right now, amid the rumors of Biles’ retirement, she is not staying away from the sport. Taking to her Instagram handle, the GOAT uploaded a story where she was watching Roberson’s performance. The caption read, “Gooo @josc_roberson and Go WCC.” Well, Biles, Lee, and Carey are all on sabbatical from elite gymnastics for now, and it might be for the good as this gave Roberson the moment to shine.

While having a conversation with the media, the 19-year-old stated, “Maybe they are kind of watching me (now), so it adds a different level of nerves, but I love it.” Her performance helped her secure second place in the women’s senior division, as Hezly Rivera took first. As she eyes greatness, Roberson has been making a huge name for herself, but as for her, her best is yet to come.

“I want to show my bigger gymnastics,’ said Joscelyn Roberson ahead of her Xfinity Championships

Fresh off her freshman year at the University of Arkansas, Paris Olympic team reserve and 2023 world champion Joscelyn Roberson is hitting her stride again. After being placed as all-around third at last month’s U.S. Classic, the 2023 U.S. vault queen has arrived at Xfinity Championships to make a name for herself, and she expects nothing but excellence for her future.

Talking to the media, she stated, “I feel I’ve shifted from just staying on and getting back in the elite (international) world to really coming into the meet as a whole as an elite gymnast. Bringing back my spark and how bubbly I am, off and on the floor, bringing that back in its fullness. I feel like at the last meet (U.S. Classic) I couldn’t really do that because I was just so nervous. But I want to do that at this meet and show my bigger gymnastics and get back out there 100%.”

Only 19, Roberson is already seasoned in competition and is learning to not just handle the growing spotlight on her, but to thrive in it. Now that she has secured the second place at Xfinity Championships, she will be looking to make a big impact on the global stage as well.