Leaving Gabby Douglas Fever Behind, Gymnastics Community Over the Moon for Suni Lee and Shilese Jones at US Championships: “Long Hill to Climb”

After the XL Center in Hartford, the American gymnastics pomp is now moving to Fort Worth, Texas. The occasion is the much-touted Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships, scheduled for next week. The elite gymnastics competition has attracted the limelight because of the selection procedure in the upcoming US gymnastics trial for the Paris Olympics. It would be the last chance to earn the qualification for the trial and it will also provide the ultimate chance to test the mastery of the gymnasts ahead of the big games. So, naturally, most of the elite gymnasts will be heading to Fort Worth in the coming days. But will they all return with a radiant face? 

As per the fans, a big ‘No’ is waiting for several elite gymnasts in the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships. Nevertheless, many are baiting for names like Suni Lee and Shilese Jones to get the qualification. But what are the motivating factors behind this voting? 

The gymnastics world is eagerly waiting to get the names 

After the Core Hydration Classic concluded, several occurrences stirred the gymnastics world. One remained as Gabby Douglas lost her chance to feature in the all-around event in Fort Worth. Another occurrence filled in the place as Suni Lee earned a nod from USA Gymnastics to participate in Fort Worth. Such contrasting pictures from the Olympic champions prompted the fans to bait on the probable standout’s identity. Eventually, that led to an online choice-filling process carried out on X by the gymnastics fan, Poor Lawyer. As per the ticking so far, Suni Lee and Shilese Jones have shone brightly while Gabby Douglas has been left with a few votes. 

Needless to say, Poor Lawyer kept Simone Biles out of the contention. However, when it came to thinking of someone alongside her in the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships, Suni Lee and Shilese Jones had their day sorted. Both have a flurry of laurels from the elite and college gymnastics. So does Gabby Douglas. But as per the current form, both Lee and Jones are standing higher than Gabby. 

In the Core Hydration Classic, Shilese Jones claimed the second rank, bowing to Simone Biles only. Suni Lee had the best score in the vault event, keeping Simone Biles in the next position. Surprisingly, it was her second elite appearance this year. On the other hand, the world champion Shilese Jones topped the uneven bars schedule. Even the floor exercise event had witnessed Shilese synchronize perfectly, where she later mentioned that she couldn’t hear the music at all. Alongside such perfectionists on the mat, Gabby Douglas’ performance couldn’t make the deal. 

At the Core Hydration Classic, she was given an all-around scorecard where she had missed the rest of the events, scratching after her uneven bars schedule. Previously, her lackluster show in the American Classic this year failed to do justice to her fame. The fans have noticed such factors as the choice filing has reflected these points. 

Suni Lee and Shilese Jones surge ahead of Gabby Douglas 

At the Core Hydration Classic, the fans witnessed a full pack of American elite gymnasts competing against each other. Apart from Gabby Douglas, several names couldn’t create the expected magic there. One such remained Joscelyn Roberson. The WCC member was pushed out of the final ten. So in Fort Worth, a lot of eyes will be on her. Therefore, keeping Suni Lee and Jade Carey higher on the preference list, one gymnastics fan commented, “gabby and josc have long hill to climb after the classic.”

But would it be the night when Suni Lee will try out her full-twisting, layout Jaeger on the uneven bars- commonly called The Lee? Such a thought prompted a fan comment, “Invested Shi, interested Suni (because idk what routine she’s gonna do for bars)”. The same notion was present in another fan’s comment: “Suni!! Especially her bars routine”. 

Furthermore, the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships will be the first competition after February 24, 2023, when Suni Lee will compete in four events. For an elite gymnast who has survived a life-threatening kidney disease, a post that says “Suni! After everything she’s been through I want to see her come out and hit all 4” proved to be worshiping. 

Meanwhile, the voice supporting Shilese Jones also remained firm. The comment, “Shilese!!! This is going to be her moment!!” fortified that part. Lastly, fans are also voicing for those gymnasts whom the pundits had considered the obvious choice for the Paris Olympics.