Imagine paying for a PPV event to catch a glimpse of your favorite stars, only to find out that they will not compete. While such occurrences are rare, the US gymnastics enthusiasts suffered a similar fate today. Kicking off the selection trials on April 2, the US Female Artistic Gymnastics National Team for Paris 2024 was expected to take shape.

However, in an unfortunate turn of events, the fans were deprived of watching the likes of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles. The event, from its start, was filled with confusion. As the athletes performed their routines one by one, the lack of visuals of their score and commentary made the entire event seem bizarre. However, this was quite the opposite of what the fans signed up for. 

US National Team Selection PPV gone wrong

When FlipNow. TV announced about streaming the US National Team selection live, gymnastics fans were utterly excited. The event took place at the Women’s Artistic National Camp in Katy, Texas. Eyeing a berth in the 2024 Pacific Rim and City of Jesolo trophy, a total of eighteen slots were up for selection in both the junior and senior divisions. Athletes like previous Olympic champions, and current National team members, were selected to attend the camp. 

According to reports, the likes of Simone Biles, Skye Blakely, Jordan Chiles, Ly Bui, and several other top-tier athletes were up for the event. FlipNow.TV charged a hefty amount of $9.99 as PPV charges for watching the selection for the full day. 

A lot of people paid the PPV amount to watch the top stars perform ahead of the Games. Unfortunately, Biles and others did not show up, leaving the entire fraternity fuming. 

Fans express grief over missed Simone Biles opportunity 

Fans took to the Alexis Ohanian-owned platform Reddit to vent out their frustrations. Here’s a glimpse at what they had to say. 

One Reddit user commented “I’m really torn on this whole thing. I appreciate the gymnasts being given agency over whether they are shown, but on the other hand, should this just be part of being on national team? Esp when it’s publicized as if we’ll see everyone…USAG is making $ from us sitting here watching a pink screen. And national team gets a stipend…I’m torn.”

Another user mentioned how Jesolo and Pacific Rims seemed ‘star-studded’, “Isn’t it weird that the majority of the Olympic hopefuls aren’t testing anything out internationally this year? Jesolo and Pac Rims used to be so star studded 😭”. “So far I’m regretting spending the $10”, wrote another fan. Another gymnastics enthusiast commented on how Reess slipped on the beam, “Ouch, that second fall for Reese looked rough on the body”

Thus, with the initial selection event coming out as a damper, fans would expect to see the top US gymnasts set the floor on fire in the future. 

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