Do you know the average monthly salary of a U.S. citizen? Well, it’s $5,677! That’s about $189.23 per day! But wait, here’s a striking comparison: the ticket price for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Minneapolis, starting on June 27th, equals three days’ of your salary! But why such a steep price? It’s the irresistible allure of Simone Biles’ sassiness! Simone Biles is set to secure her third Olympic team spot at the Team Trials in Minneapolis!
For the GOAT, with 37 medals to her name, this event is more of a formality, given her exceptional prowess. In May 2024, Biles clinched her ninth U.S. all-around title by dominating all four apparatuses! Coach Cecile Landi believes that Biles’s ability to manage her mental health, paired with her extraordinary talent and remarkable work ethic, suggests that the 27-year-old gymnast could be peaking as she approaches her third Olympic Games.
“I think we always knew she had more to give!” Landi remarked a day before the trials. Now, the question arises: what will she earn apart from securing a spot in the Paris Olympics? Biles’ participation at the trials sparked intrigue due to athletes, including her, not receiving compensation for their involvement. In fact, U.S. athletes do not get paid to compete in the Olympics at all, although winning medals does earn them prize money.
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Athletes can generate income through sponsorships, which constitute a significant portion of Biles’s earnings. With few major sponsors and ongoing partnerships with brands like K18, Visa, United Airlines, Uber Eats, Athleta, and Beats by Dre, among others, she has built a robust portfolio over the years. However, Biles’ impressive net worth of $16 million, reflects her exceptional career. But watching her perform flawlessly in gymnastics mats isn’t just about luck for people from all walks of life, especially during trials. Reason: high prices of the tickets.
While athletes are uncertain about their chances of winning, the ticket price per person burns a hole in the gymnastics community’s pockets at $570. This price point highlights the significant cost for fans eager to watch Biles and other gymnasts compete. But who do you think will secure a spot for Paris?
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Simone Biles eyes historic third Olympics amidst fierce competition!
If selected, Simone Biles would join an exclusive group as only the fourth American woman to compete in gymnastics at three Olympics, marking a triumphant return to the sport after prioritizing her mental health since 2021. Her record-breaking achievements at last year’s world championships established her as the most decorated gymnast in history.
Reigning Olympic all-around champion Sunisa Lee is bouncing back from health challenges in 2023 to showcase routines on bars and beams that position her as a strong contender for Olympic medals and a key asset for the U.S. team.
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Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles are also strong contenders aiming to secure spots on the team. Shilese Jones emerges as another standout in the women’s field, known for her strong all-around performances. After training in Columbus, Jones has become a two-time all-around medalist at world championships. Despite a recent shoulder injury that sidelined her at nationals, Jones is poised to make the Olympic team pending a successful trial showing, affirming her readiness for Paris.
Skye Blakely was also a strong contender leading up to the trials, placing second behind Biles at the Core Hydration Classic and U.S. Gymnastics Championships, respectively. However, she faced an injury just a day before the trials. As we observe these gymnasts’ journeys, who else do you think has a shot at making it through the trials? Comment below and share your thoughts!