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Simone Biles’ Biggest Competition: The Challengers at US Classics 2023

Published 08/03/2023, 2:01 PM EDT

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Simone Biles is unquestionably one of the greatest gymnasts in history. With a plethora of Olympic and World Championship medals to her name, she has set the bar high for the sport. As a seven-time Olympic medalist, including four golds and three bronzes, and a staggering 25-time World Championship medalist, Biles has redefined the sport. Beyond her unparalleled medal count, Simone Biles has become an inspirational figure, motivating countless young athletes worldwide to pursue their gymnastic dreams.

After the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, however, the entire world watched in awe as Biles bravely announced her retirement due to worries about her mental health. Fans and other athletes questioned whether they would ever get to see the legendary gymnast perform again amid the uncertainty surrounding her future in competitive gymnastics. Now, much to their delight, Simone Biles has announced her return to the sport for the 2023 season. Set to make her grand comeback at the US Classics 2023. The event is slated to take place from August 4 to August 6, 2023. Here Simone Biles will encounter some formidable challengers who are poised to give her a tough competition.

Jordan Chiles

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Among the top contenders challenging Simone Biles is the talented Jordan Chiles. Since the Tokyo Olympics, Chiles has showcased her mettle as one of the most consistent performers on the gymnastics stage. As she entered the world of collegiate gymnastics and joined the UCLA Bruins, her journey took an exciting turn. Chiles accomplished outstanding feats in the NCAA in 2023, winning recognition for each breathtaking routine. Notably, she achieved a career-high all-around score of 39.900, solidifying her reputation as a rising stars in the sport.

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“I’ve always dreamed of being part of a top gymnastics program while pursuing my studies, and UCLA has provided me with that incredible opportunity,” Chiles shared in a recent interview. “The support from my teammates and coaches has been instrumental in my growth as an athlete, and I’m grateful for the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the team”. In a podcast with Chicks Unfiltered on YouTube she also stated how she was training for Paris Olympics 2024. As Jordan Chiles makes her return to the US Classics 2023, the anticipation among fans and experts is palpable, eagerly awaiting her challenge against the returning Simone Biles.

Jade Carey

Jade Carey is no stranger to the gymnastics spotlight; at the Olympics in Tokyo, she won the gold medal in the floor exercise. Her skill goes beyond the floor routine, as evidenced by the numerous World Championship medals she has added to her impressive resume. Jade Carey etched her name in the record books by becoming the 13th college gymnast to achieve the coveted “gym slam”. Which means accomplishing a perfect score of 10.0 on all four apparatuses during a single collegiate season.

via Reuters

During her time at UCLA, Jade Carey demonstrated her prowess on each apparatus, earning perfect 10.0 scores on the vault. Carey remained committed to training, honing her abilities, and perfecting her routines after her Olympic victory. “Winning gold at the Olympics was a dream come true for me,” Carey stated in an interview. “But it doesn’t end there. I want to keep pushing my boundaries, perfecting my routines, and challenging myself to reach even greater heights in gymnastics.” Fans and viewers are eagerly anticipating seeing Jade Carey’s extraordinary talents on display once more, this time in competition with Simone Biles, as she prepares for the US Classics 2023.

Sunisa Lee

When Simone Biles made the difficult decision to exit the Tokyo Olympics, Sunisa Lee, a talented and determined athlete, stepped up showcasing her extraordinary skills and earning the coveted title of Olympic gold medalist. With her impressive performances on the uneven bars and the balance beam, Sunisa Lee demonstrated grace under pressure and a level of precision that few could match. Her triumph at the Tokyo Olympics not only brought pride to her country but also highlighted her status as a top gymnast on the global stage.  Health issues impeded her progress, but Lee’s indomitable spirit and determination kept her aspirations alive.

via Getty

Now, as the gymnastics community eagerly awaits the return of Simone Biles at the US Classics 2023, they will also have the privilege of witnessing Sunisa Lee’s comeback to competition alongside her. Sunisa Lee said in an interview, “I will not stop pursuing my dreams for a bid to Paris in 2024. In fact, this experience has sharpened my vision for the future.” According to reports, both gymnasts are expected to compete for a spot at the highly anticipated US Championships, setting the stage for an intense and exhilarating battle for supremacy. As Sunisa Lee returns to the US Classics 2023, she brings with her the experience and confidence of an Olympic champion.

Gabby Douglas

Gabby Douglas is a true veteran of the sport and a name that is synonymous with greatness in American gymnastics. At the London Olympics in 2012, where she won two Olympic gold medals, she first came to the attention of the world. However, Gabby Douglas’ journey has not been without its difficulties. After her victory in London, she struggled with personal issues and took a break from competitive gymnastics.

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Along with gymnastics superstars Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, Gabby Douglas is now starting a major comeback in 2023. In an Instagram post she announced her comeback saying, “I know I have a huge task ahead of me and i am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor, and even more grateful for all of your support and love. it truly means so much, there’s so much to be said but for now…. let’s do this #2024”.

Despite Competition for US Classic Thickening Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey Join Hands to Give Their Fans a Pleasant Surprise

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The 2023 Core Hydration Classic will be in its 39th year. Gymnastics fans from all over the world are anticipating Simone Biles’ return. The stage is set for an electrifying exhibition of talent and skill in the world of gymnastics, with competitors like Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Sunisa Lee, and Gabby Douglas vying for victory and a spot at Paris Olympics 2024.

Watch this story: Simone Biles’ Fanbase Welcomes Their Queen With Open Arms After Gymnast Faces Backlash for Long Hiatus

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Written by:

Christaline Meyers

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Christaline Meyers is a pro-writer for Essentially Sports. Having contributed to movies and web series, Christaline delved into sports journalism and like the puck on the ice, has been a force to be reckoned with in the US sports arena. Her experience in writing about the latest WSL event, the recent track and field record, and creative gymnastics routines, found her digging deeper into the minds of legends like Kelly Slater, Usain Bolt, and Simone Biles.
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Edited by:

Purva Jain