Simone Biles is back. The US Classics, or Core Hydration Classics, will be underway on May 18 this year. It started in 1983 as an annual event for elite artistic gymnastics from across the United States. This competition holds paramount importance for all the participants as it is held right before the national trials. Any slip-ups for the athletes mean costing themselves a place in the national squad.
However, in cases like 2024, when it is the Olympic year, the magnitude of the event becomes even bigger. Athletes performing well have a chance of breaking into the Olympic trials. And come May 18, athletes like Simone Biles will finally make their season’s debut after a long wait. But to catch the US gymnastics queen in action, it is imperative to know the details of how to watch the event.
Simone Biles’s season opener: All you need to know
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This year’s Core Hydration Classic will be held in Hartford, Connecticut. Initially, there was a lot of discontent among the fans about why the gymnastics events were not televised. But now they should have a big smile on their faces as the event will be televised live on Peacock and CNBC.
According to the official sources, this year’s Classics will air from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Live streaming of the same will also be available for subscribers to NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. In case a fan wants to catch all the action outside of the USA, a VPN could come in handy.
However, for those wanting to feel the thrill live from the stadium, tickets are available via the Ticketmaster app. As the hype about the Classics is soaring, the major attraction for the competition will be the much-awaited debut of Simone Biles. Coming into the tournament, the US gymnast is the favorite to win the Classics. Biles has previously established her dominance in the US Classics by clinching the title six times.
Apart from Biles, there will be other notable names, giving her tough competition as well. The likes of Suni Lee, Gabby Douglas, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles will also fight it out for a spot in Paris.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Biles aims to put behind her past demons
Simone Biles was verified and confirmed for the camp in April. However, she decided not to show up before the camera until the US Classics. A lot of speculation has surfaced regarding when she will be opening her Olympic season. Many people opined that the Winter Cup would witness Biles’ return, but it was not to be. Biles always starts her season a little late.
Speaking about her sporadic appearances, Biles commented back in 2023, “Sorry I’ve been a little MIA since the announcement 🤍. I’m overwhelmed with all of your messages, support & love! excited to get back out on the competition floor! XOXO 🫶🏾”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Going into the US Classics, Simone Biles will be utterly focused on cracking the Olympic code this time. She did redeem herself by winning last year’s Classics. Revealing her Paris roadmap, Biles said, “I think we have to be a little bit more cautious about how we do things. So everything that we’re doing leading up to this next Games or whatever is very intentional.”
Biles will now look to put behind her past demons and end the Paris Olympics in flying colors. Are you excited to see her compete? Let us know in the comments below.