Simone Biles Becomes the Oldest American Gymnast Breaking 72-Year-Old Record as She Wins Paris Olympics Ticket

It’s official: Simone Biles is heading to Paris! As a three-time Olympian, she’s set to grace the Olympic Games stage for the third time. The most decorated gymnast in history, Biles dominated the All-Around competition at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, delivering a stunning performance that earned her a massive score of 117.225.

Hot on her heels were her Tokyo Olympics teammates: reigning Olympic champion Suni Lee, who secured second place with 111.675, showcasing her own incredible talent and determination. Rounding out the top three was Jordan Chiles, who impressed judges and fans alike with 111.425. Jade Carey, the reigning Floor Exercise Olympic champion, came in fourth with a score of 111.350. Simone Biles surpassed her winning margins from 2016 and 2021.

Meet your Paris Olympians:

Official Team:

Simone Biles

Jordan Chiles

Jade Carey

Hezly Rivera

Suni Lee

Alternates:

Leanne Wong

Joscelyn Roberson

Biles’ results in the 2016 trials as she prepared for her first Olympic Games at the 2016 Rio Olympics were: Vault 16.000, Bars 14.950, Beam 15.200, Floor 15.700, and an All-Around score of 61.850. On July 30th, 2024, the phenom outshone with a combined score over two days of competition: Vault 117.225, Bars 117.225, Beam 117.225, and floor 89.675.

If that wasn’t proof enough of her dominance at age 27, Simone Biles becomes the oldest U.S. female gymnast to compete since 1952, joining Davis-Grossfeld, Mulvihill, and Dawes as the fourth U.S. female gymnast to participate in three Olympics, breaking a 72-year-old record. As we reflect on this epic night for Simone Biles, who secured her spot bound for Paris, let’s recount how each rotation unfolded on Day 2 of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials.

Simone Biles All-Around domination at the Target Center in Minneapolis

Simone Biles began her rotations on vault with a Yurchenko double pike. Despite landing a bit short and taking several steps back to steady herself, she managed to maintain control and complete the vault cleanly, scoring a remarkable 15.500.

Moving on to uneven bars, Biles executed a Weiler half to Maloney to clear hip to Ray combination, showcasing her seamless transitions and impressive technique. Her routine included a toe full to Pak, demonstrating strong form and precision throughout. Biles finished with a full-in dismount, sticking the landing with her characteristic confidence and scored 14.200.

On the balance beam, Biles faced challenges early on with her mount, a switch leap to switch half to back pike, navigating through with her usual focus and determination. She performed a triple wolf turn with exceptional control and followed up with a solid full-in dismount, showcasing her ability to handle pressure with grace, resulting in a score of 13.900.

Finishing her rotations on floor exercise, Biles wowed the audience with a powerful triple double to start, displaying incredible height and execution. She continued with a front full through to double double, maintaining her energy and precision throughout the routine. Biles closed with a double layout, landing cleanly to cap off a strong performance on the floor, earning her a score of 14.725.

Each apparatus highlighted her skill and consistency, positioning her as a standout performer at the U.S. Olympic Trials and a top contender for the upcoming Paris Olympics. As we reflect on this strong team of contenders, what do you think about Team USA’s chances in women’s gymnastics at the Paris Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!