After Sunni Lee vaulted, I immediately understood her thoughts. From my experience in Tokyo, I knew she needed encouragement and trust in her gymnastics. Among the 15 Paris Olympic hopefuls, Simone Biles and Sunni Lee stand out. Both have faced pain and disappointment but have returned to gymnastics this year with the goal of competing in Paris.

Biles, who won Olympic gold in 2016, and Lee, who secured gold in 2020, are determined to join Team USA in Paris. Despite their struggles over the past few years, they aim to win and enjoy the process. Biles made a comeback last season after a year off post-Tokyo 2020, where she won team silver and balance beam bronze. She has prioritized her mental health, avoiding the twisties, and achieved an eighth U.S. crown and sixth world title last season. Her 2024 debut was impressive, scoring 59.5 at the U.S. Classic, her best since Tokyo.

Lee’s path to the U.S. Championships has been challenging. A kidney issue disrupted her collegiate career and kept her from international competitions in late 2023. Her early 2024 competitions were rough, but she improved at the American Classic, showing notable performances on vault and beam. At the 2024 Core Hydration Gymnastics Classic, Lee demonstrated a strong comeback, securing the highest beam score and qualifying for Nationals with a 40.75 total.

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth saw a fierce competition for Olympic spots. Biles won her ninth U.S. title, scoring 119.7 over two days, while Lee faced a rocky start but showed resilience. Biles’ support and encouragement were crucial for Lee, highlighting their camaraderie.

Following the Championships, the top eight gymnasts, including Biles, Blakeley, Dello, Lee, Chiles, Rivera, Carey, and Wong, will compete in the Olympic trials from June 27-30 in Minneapolis. The selected gymnasts will represent the U.S. at the Paris Olympics.