The 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, the one where Simone Biles came back like she never left, dominating the all-around. Reclaiming the top spot and walking away with three individual apparatus medals. It was a moment of sheer brilliance, the kind only Biles can deliver. But fast forward to 2025, and things are eerily quiet on the queen’s front. No official announcements, no training clips, no bold declarations about her next world title. Outside of her brief NCAA appearance to support Cecile Landi, Simone’s been spending time away from the gym spotlight.

And yet, as the World Championships prepare to make their historic debut in Asia, Team USA isn’t slowing down. In fact, the American camp is heating up. A wave of big-name former champions, Biles’ ex-teammates, and seasoned contenders are already being called in for evaluation and prep. The roster is deep, familiar, and fiercely competitive. Signaling that even without Biles front and center (for now), Team USA has no intention of loosening its grip on global dominance.

Inside Gymnastics took to Instagram, highlighting, “The United States is currently hosting a Training Camp as the Elite season kicks into high gear!” And they’re not kidding. Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera (WOGA) is in the mix, along with Olympic alternates Joscelyn Roberson (Arkansas) and Leanne Wong (Florida), plus World medalist Skye Blakely (Florida/WOGA). That’s not just a camp!

It’s a powerhouse huddle of talent. As questions swirl around Simone Biles’ return, this roster sends a strong message: the next wave of leadership isn’t waiting in the wings. They’re already here. All eyes now turn to New Orleans, where the stage will be set for the 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, running August 7–10 at the Smoothie King Center.

This premier event will showcase the nation’s top junior and senior athletes as they chase national titles and crucial spots on the U.S. National Team. The very pipeline that will feed into the World Championships in Jakarta later this fall. And while the Championships are the headline, the weekend will also host the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show. Expected to bring more than 2,500 industry professionals to the Crescent City.

With the post-Olympic cycle in full swing, this summer is less of a cooldown and more of a relaunch. USA Gymnastics CEO Li Li Leung captured the moment best: “The post-Olympic year is when athletes begin their build toward 2028, when the Summer Olympic Games return to the United States for the first time since 1996.” With that long game in mind, New Orleans, known for its championship pedigree, is stepping back into the spotlight.

As new stars emerge, all eyes turn back to the Gymnastics goat

Simone Biles, often dubbed the undisputed GOAT of gymnastics, has etched her name into the Code of Points not once. But five times! Twice on floor, twice on vault, and once on beam. Her legendary repertoire showcases not just skill but courage, with each element pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. Now, the trend she started continues.

At the 2025 Antalya World Cup, China’s Yang Fanyuwei made waves by performing a full-twisting Jaeger on uneven bars during qualifications. Her move, soon to be recognized as “The Yang” (pending FIG approval), is a stunning example of the global inspiration Biles has ignited. And following in that trail of bold innovation, yet another high school gymnast has stepped up. Signaling a thrilling new era of technical creativity.

But while names are being added to the Code, Biles’ dominance remains untouched. Paul Juda recently reminded the gymnastics world why Simone’s name still commands unmatched respect. Posting a video on May 19 of himself performing the Yurchenko double pike vault just before the 2023 Core Hydration Classic. He captioned it perfectly, “That’s why she’s the GOAT 🤯.”

The clip needed no music, no effects, just raw skill. And it brought back memories of Biles’ exclusive relationship with that very vault. She’s only competed in it five times: at the 2021 U.S. Classic, the Olympic Trials, the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, and finally, the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she blew the field away with a 15.766. Five times in four years. That’s how rare and risky this vault is.

Juda’s effort proves that, with enough grit, even the scariest elements in gymnastics can be approached. But there’s still a difference between doing the move and owning it. For now, that ownership belongs solely to Simone. As we edge closer to the 2025 World Championships, one can’t help but wonder: will the queen herself return? And remind the world who still sets the standard? With her history, her moves, and her aura. One thing’s for sure: nobody steals the spotlight quite like Simone Biles.