Anticipation for US Team World Selection Camp, 2023 is on hype. As the most celebrated athlete in the sport, Simone Biles prepares to participate in the selection camp, the gymnastics world is ready to witness greatness. The World Selection Camp for gymnastics is a two-day event starting on September 19 to 20. Biles after 2 years of hiatus is riding high with recent victories in Xfinitiy and US Hydration Core Classic. Her remarkable eighth national title win broke a 90-year-old record, solidifying her status as a legend in the making.

However, this time, another name is creating ripples in the selection camp. The gymnast is all set to offer a tough competition to Biles. 2022 silver medalist, Leanne Wong is a surging gymnast in 2023. She made a significant impact by securing third place at the 2023 U.S. nationals. Now, her recent candid words just a few hours before the camp have stirred the gymnastic community.

Simone Biles’ competitor talks about gravity-defying feats

The 19-year-old American gymnast, Leanne Wong, wowed audiences at the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in California. The young legend nailed all her floor exercise routines. Featuring astonishing moves like the double-twisting double back and double layout, left spectators in awe. Wong’s trademark artistry and near-flawless execution held an audience of nearly 12,000 spellbound.

According to Olympics News, reflecting on her spectacular routine, Wong shared, “At the end of my routine, I heard the crowd scream. I mean, it was so much louder than day one. I really had a great routine, so I held that ending and enjoyed it”. On the other hand, Simone Biles and Shilese Jones took the top spots. Nevertheless, Wong’s outstanding performance earned her a third-place finish in the women’s competition.

Watch this story: Simone Biles Relaxes Herself. Feeding Baby Biles After Visiting Her ‘Dream Home With the Love of Her Life

The journey of the prodigy kick-started in 2017 when she made her presence known on the U.S. elite gymnastics scene. Following her impressive fifth-place finish nationally as a junior she clinched a junior national title. Wong’s accomplishments include being a part of the 2019 Pan American Games gold-winning team & serving as an alternate for the USA team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In 2022, Wong marked her debut on the global stage by securing silver in the all-around and bronze on the floor exercise at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the U.S. team’s historic sixth-straight global event win, despite grappling with an ankle injury.

However, what distinguishes Wong’s journey in 2023 is her unique approach. While many of her peers returned to club programs after the Tokyo Olympics, Wong opted to stay at the University of Florida. She wants to collaborate with coaches Rowland and Field. Her decision is a combination of her evident joy and a relaxed competitive attitude. With the clock ticking, fans are eager to see legends giving tough competition to each other. Don’t you agree?

ALSO READ: “Sticking Every Landing”: Not Simone Biles but Another Leaves the Gymnastics World Dazzled With Breathtaking Maneuvers Before World Artistic Gymnastics Championship