“The future of Team USA’s gymnastics lies in the balance,” said a source close to the Olympic trials. The USA Olympic team trials began in Minneapolis on June 27; the women’s gymnastics trials start today, the 28th. This event is the final step to earning a spot on the USA team. It features 16 elite athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Suni Lee. Promising newcomer Shilese Jones is also competing.

Judging them will be former gymnasts Alicia Quinn and Chellsie Memmel. Quinn, an Olympic silver medalist, demonstrates sharp analytical skills and a deep understanding of the sport. Memmel, a world champion and Olympic silver medalist, brings her experience and a keen eye for technical precision. Together, they will make the final decisions on who represents Team USA at the Paris Olympics.

Ex-gymnast judges holding Team USA’s fate at the Paris Olympics 

In an interview with NY Times, Alicia Sacramone Quinn who was the captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic silver-medalist gymnastics team spoke about decades later her toughest job is picking exactly who gets to represent the USA in the Paris Olympics this August. At one point in the past when she was an active competitor, she had channeled her rage at a bin when told she did not make the team. Now that she is gearing up to get a lot of anger directed towards her after she starts making the team cuts, Quinn said, “I get it.” 

Since yesterday, the trials have already commenced. Tonight is Women’s Day 1 and the anticipation is high. On the floor will be 16 of the best female gymnasts in America right now. Headlined by 9x Xfinity Games champion and 2 times Olympian Simone Biles. Following her are big names like Shilese Jones, Suni Lee (who won the all-around gold in Tokyo), Jordan Chiles, and Skye Blakely. As the competition gets tougher, anything can happen. So Quinn, as strategy head, and Chellsie Memmel as technical lead are gearing up for some big challenges. 

Additionally, Quinn has served on the board of directors for the Athlete Assistance Fund and worked on the development staff a decade ago. Memmel ensures that routines are designed to maximize points. They represent a new face in the administration, which is looking to distance itself from some ugly past incidents including the whole controversy around the Karolyi’s ranch.

Memmel, the 2005 world championship gold medalist, said, “I want them [ the gymnasts ] to be able to look back and have fond memories, to be proud of their accomplishments and not just be like, ‘Well, I did it, but what did I have to do to get there?’ I don’t want that, that cost.” But the road ahead is going to be tough. Accusers have often leveled accusations of favoritism against judges. There is no reason to discount the possibility of such accusations arising again. But the two athlete-turned-judges are eager to form the best female gymnastics team in USA history. 

Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Shilese Jones can expect fair treatment at the Olympic trials 

Alicia Quinn has opened up about how being a younger judge has its own set of problems. Often coaches have called her up to express their anger about their gymnasts not qualifying in certain meets. Though she tries to be respectful and measured like Chellsie, she can also hold her own. She said, “I have no problem telling someone that they’re not going to talk to me like that,” adding, “I know I’m young. I know I may not have as much experience as someone on the coaching side, but you’re not going to disrespect me because I’m younger.” As an athlete herself, she has been able to make several changes. 

Like setting mealtimes to when athletes feel they want to fuel their bodies. Setting up meetings with coaches and athletes to understand their individual needs. Most importantly, focusing on team chemistry and dynamics is challenging. Each athlete is also striving to win individual medals. This year, a few athletes are predicted to be able to make the team. Simone Biles leads with a record score over 60 at the National Championships, the highest by any woman in an Olympic cycle.

Then there’s Sunisa ‘Suni’ Lee, returning after battling a kidney disease. Additionally, Shilese Jones recently won silver at the Core Hydration Classics, just behind Simone. Jordan Chiles is also a strong contender in her own right. Kayla DiCello, having received approval for her petition, is expected to showcase her all-around skills across all events.