The U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team couldn’t replicate their 2016 performance at the Tokyo Olympics. However, co-head team physician Dr. Marcy Faustin expressed confidence in this year’s team, with Simone Biles at the helm. The 2024 Paris Olympics team is largely composed of Tokyo 2020 veterans, including Biles, Jade Carey, Sunisa Lee, and Jordan Chiles. And, the age contrast within the team is quite staggering with newcomer Hezly Rivera being 16, while Biles is 27.

This age contrast prompted KCRA Channel 3 anchor Deirdre Fitzpatrick to ask Dr. Faustin about the “unusual” nature of the situation. “How is that even possible? Like what are they doing now to be able to extend these careers?” Fitzpatrick asked. Responding to that, Dr. Faustin explained how the women of Team USA train and why she believes they’ll be at their best in Paris.

“I think it’s amazing. Simone’s 27, she’s getting better,” said the Team doctor. Faustin also said that Simone Biles’ perseverance has inspired her teammates. Jade Carey, Sunisa Lee, and Jordan Chiles, who are still in their early 20s, are becoming “more aware of themselves.” Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the focus is on “Train smarter, not harder. It’s all about quality versus quantity,” the physician told KCRA Channel 3.

Everyone on the team is attentive to their bodies’ signals. While the Olympians are eager to redeem themselves from what they consider a slump in 2020, they’re avoiding overexertion. In fact, it was the constant pressure of chasing medals that gave Simone Biles a severe case of ‘twisties’ in Tokyo, leading to her partial withdrawal.

Dr. Marcy Faustin further claimed that “the coaches and the support system,” around the gymnasts are also supporting this approach. Therefore, she is not alone in believing that the veteran gymnasts and the 16-year-old newcomer will excel in Paris. Simone Biles and the rest of the team will have their youngest team member’s back.

What Simone Biles feels about her youngest teammate

Simone Biles became the oldest U.S. female gymnast to qualify for the Olympics in 72 years. During the post-Olympic Trials press conference, reporters asked the most experienced member of the team about Hezly Rivera. The 7x Olympic medalist reminded everyone that Hezly Rivera made it to the Olympics even before learning how to drive.

However, the GOAT expressed her belief in Rivera’s talent. The world champion gymnast also said that she and her teammates will support Rivera, whenever she needs them. “We’re definitely gonna guide her through the ropes,” said Simone Biles.

While the significant age gap may seem like a hurdle initially, the entire team, including Dr. Marcy Faustin, believes it will help the five gymnasts form stronger bonds and perform better.