In the lead-up to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, the U.S. gymnastics team showcased their skills at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut. With just 42 days remaining until the team is named, the competition provided valuable insights into the gymnasts vying for a spot in Paris 2024.

Unsurprisingly, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, proved once again why she is the queen of the sport. Showing her prowess, Biles reintroduced two difficult twisting elements that she hadn't performed since Tokyo 2020. Her flawless performance on the uneven bars, accompanied by her coach Laurent Landi, earned her a massive score of 15.600. Biles looked relaxed and enjoyed competing, demonstrating why she continues to dominate the sport.

Shilese Jones emerged as Team USA's second strongest athlete, delivering exceptional performances across all four events. Her standout routine on the uneven bars, which included a laidout Jaeger release, earned her the highest score of 15.250. With her impressive performance, Jones solidified herself as a formidable contender for the Olympic team.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic medallists, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles, showed resilience after facing challenges during the 2023 season. Lee, the Olympic all-around champion, made her comeback, winning the balance beam event. Carey, the Olympic floor gold medal winner, displayed her talent despite a fall during her uneven bars routine. Chiles, part of the silver-medal-winning U.S. team, secured a third-place finish in the all-around competition. These experienced gymnasts proved that they have what it takes to make a return trip to the Games.

However, Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic all-around champion, faced difficulties in her comeback. Struggling on the uneven bars in Hartford, she withdrew from the competition after scoring a disappointing 10.100. It remains unclear if she will compete at the upcoming U.S. championships, leaving questions about her ability to improve in time for the Olympics.

While Biles, Jones, Lee, Carey, and Chiles positioned themselves as strong contenders, other gymnasts will need to step up in the coming weeks. Kayla DiCello, the 2024 Winter Cup champion, faltered on the uneven bars and finished in 10th place. Skye Blakely, a member of the previous U.S. World Championships teams, also had a less than satisfactory performance. Leanne Wong, who has won four World Championships medals, struggled on the balance beam, resulting in a seventh-place finish overall.

With less than two weeks until the U.S. championships, the gymnasts will have another opportunity to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a spot on the Paris 2024 Olympic team. The competition promises to be intense as they strive to fulfill their Olympic dreams.